Near-freezing temps and frost possible tonight with wind to follow

SAN DIEGO - Near-freezing temperatures and areas of frost are possible overnight in parts of San Diego County, with gusty winds expected to follow, meteorologists said today.

The National Weather Service scheduled a frost advisory from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. Monday for the inland valleys and deserts, where temperatures are expected to fall into the 30s and frost will be possible in colder, wind- sheltered areas through early Monday.

Sensitive outdoor plants could be killed if left uncovered, meteorologists said.

Tonight's lows are expected to be between 34 and 44 degrees along the coast, 35-40 in the deserts, 31-40 degrees in the valleys and just 22-30 degrees in the mountains, according to the NWS.

Strong, gusty northeast winds of 20-30 mph are also expected to develop late tonight near the coastal foothills and stick around through early Tuesday.

A NWS wind advisory will take effect at 4 a.m. Monday for mountain and valley areas, and extend until 10 a.m. Tuesday. Forecasters said gusts of up to 50 mph would be possible through and below passes and canyons.

The wind could blow down tree limbs, and make driving difficult, especially for motorists in high-profile vehicles, the NWS said.