More rain on the way this week for Southern California

Cooler temperatures and light rain could return to the Los Angeles area as early as Wednesday, with heavier rain expected by the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

A new storm system coming out of Canada would bring “the coldest temperatures of the year if fully realized,” said David Sweet, meteorologist with the Oxnard Weather Service. Temperatures could range from the lower 30 degrees in some areas, with highs in the lower 50 degrees, he said.

If the storm lives up to its potential, even downtown Los Angeles could experience temperatures in the 30s, Sweet said.

But it’s still too early to tell how big the impact of this storm will be, he warned.

“There’s a fair amount of uncertainty as to what direct path this is going to take,” Sweet said. “Some indications show it is moving offshore and possibly off our coasts at a fair distance, which is having less of an impact; other indications are showing it is coming down directly on us and having a more impact important.

Sweet said there’s a greater than 20 percent chance the region could see more than an inch of rain during this time, and a greater than 40 percent chance of more than an inch of rain in the mountains.

Still, forecasters are expecting about half an inch of rain “with very cold air accompanying the system.” Snow levels are expected to drop to around 1,500 feet, which means snow could reach the foothills and valleys, including places like Antelope Valley and San Luis Obispo County. Sweet said while only a few centimeters of snow is expected, it could be spread over a wide area.

Sweet advised area residents to have warm coats on hand and to be prepared for winter driving conditions, including poor visibility and slippery roads, especially in mountainous areas. He also suggested drivers keep water and blankets in their cars in case they get stranded.

He also noted that people driving in the rain this week should watch out for slippery roads and give themselves plenty of time to get to their destination.