Dreaming Of A White Easter? Storm Expected To Bring Snow And Rain To SoCal

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — A Summer-like heatwave that blanketed Southern California this weekend appears to have gone on spring break.

Meteorologists from the National Weather Service in Los Angeles and San Diego are forecasting thick morning marine layers, cooler temperatures, and a chance of light rain Thursday and Friday across Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego counties. A light dusting of snow is also expected to blanket Southern California's mountains at higher elevations.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will range in the high 60s and low 70s for coastal and inland communities. Deserts will be about 15 degrees cooler than the weekend. Temperatures on Big Bear Mountain are expected to drop from a high in the 70s over the weekend to daytime highs in the low 40s Wednesday through Friday.

"Gusty winds may arrive Wednesday, followed by rain showers," the weather service wrote Monday. "Light rain is expected to arrive Thursday night through Friday, with a possibility of Friday thunderstorms in mountain areas. "

Snow is possible Thursday to Friday, dropping to about 6,500 feet, according to the weather service. Less than half an inch of snow is expected, but it's enough to make snow boots handy for Easter egg hunts scheduled for Saturday and Sunday across the mountain communities.

Rain will likely leave the area by Saturday morning, leaving sunny skies and warmer temperatures to return next week.

Coachella visitors can expect to see temperatures about 15 degrees cooler for the second weekend, according to the NWS.

Meteorologists expect cooler temperatures this week, but a sunny weekend and a bright Easter with temperatures in the lows 70s from Los Angeles to Temecula and mid to upper 60s from Newport Beach to San Diego.