Chilly rainstorm from Alaska to bring early dose of winter

SAN DIEGO - A chilly rainstorm bred in the Gulf of Alaska will bring a early dose of winter to San Diego County late tonight and Monday, a National Weather Service meteorologist said today.

About one-half to one inch of rain is expected along the coast, said Noel Isla of the NWS. ''Mainly the rain will fall Monday -- all through Monday -- also with the possibility of thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening hours,'' Isla said.

Two inches or more of precipitation could fall on the western mountain slopes, with snow dusting the higher peaks, according to the NWS.

The mountains could also receive wind gusts of 50 mph.

Temperatures are expected to top out at only 60 degrees in coastal areas Monday and increase gradually to the mid-60s late in the week. Mountain highs will be in the 40s and 50s.

Forecasters expect the storm to have a bigger impact to the north around Los Angeles, where officials are on alert for mudslides on hills denuded by last summer's Station Fire

SAN DIEGO - San Diego County residents can expect about a half-inch of rain Monday as a late-season storm uncurls across the state, the National Weather Service said today.

The wintry weather from the gulf of Alaska may drop two inches of snow on the Laguna Mountains, wind gusts to 50 mph, and as much as an inch of rain on lower mountain slopes, NWS meteorologist Stefanie Sullivan said.

''For this time of year, it's a pretty good storm,'' Sullivan said. ''There could be isolated street flooding if a heavy shower moves over an area.''

She said conditions Sunday should be about the same as today -- clouds in the morning giving way to sun in the afternoon. More clouds will move in late Sunday night, bringing rainshowers starting early Monday.

''They will last through the evening,'' Sullivan said. ''Most of the wind will be in the mountains and deserts and the CHP may issue wind advisories for higher vehicles on Interstate 8.''

The NWS forecasts a return to fair weather Tuesday, but with chilly temperatures remaining in the low- and mid-60s through most of the county.