USA

Another chance of rain, hazardous winds coming to Southern California soon

After last weekend’s brief rain, Southern California is heading into another weather change, with winds expected to pick up later this week and light rain expected to return early next week.

KTLA meteorologist Kaj Goldberg said plenty of sunshine arrived in the area Wednesday, with mild coastal temperatures in the mid-60s from Oxnard to Santa Monica and inland high temperatures reaching the mid-70s in areas like Riverside, San Bernardino and Antelope Valley.

Cloud cover is expected to increase as the weather system moves into the region on Thursday, but most areas are expected to remain dry through the weekend.

Gusty northwest winds are expected to develop Thursday and then transition to northeasterly winds, also known as Santa Ana winds, on Friday and over the weekend. Winds of 35 to 50 mph are possible in parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties; Isolated wind gusts up to 65 mph are possible at higher elevations, including the San Gabriel, Santa Susana and Santa Monica mountains.

These winds can create challenging driving conditions for high-profile vehicles, especially in mountain passes, while in stronger winds, unsafe outdoor items can be blown around and tree branches can topple.

Developing offshore flow Friday could lead to warmer temperatures in coastal communities toward the weekend, with highs along the coast expected to climb into the 70s on Saturday.

Looking ahead, forecasters say the next chance of rain will likely arrive between Monday and Wednesday of next week, but confidence remains low and rainfall totals are expected to be light if showers develop.

Current forecasts show the highest chance of light rain late Tuesday and early Wednesday, but the system is still developing and may change in timing or severity in the coming days.

The potential for additional rain comes about a week after the region saw brief showers from a late-season storm, continuing the pattern of occasional spring weather systems moving through California.

Go to KTLA for the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video.