Get Ready for a Cold, Stormy Monday

A cold storm will move into the region Monday, bringing colder temperatures, gusty wind, rain and high surf, the National Weather Service forecast Saturday.

There's an 80 percent chance of showers in Santa Monica, and the possiblity of thunderstorms and small hail. The high is forecast near 57 with a low of 44. It will be breezy, too, with winds up to 30 mph.

"Rainfall will be spotty and not very great," forecasters said. "Most areas will see a one-quarter inch or less and quite a few areas will see a tenth of an inch or less."

Waves generated by the gusty winds will generate big surf across the Los Angeles County coast, where waves average 4 to 6 feet are expected along with occasional sets of 7 to 8 feet. The highest surf will hit west facing beaches.

The storm may also bring 1 to 3 inches of snow Monday to mountain areas at altitudes as low as 2,000 feet, according to the NWS.

Strong and potentially damaging winds are expected in deserts and mountain areas as well, the NWS said. Gusts of up to 75 miles per hour could be possible over mountain ridges through Monday night. This weather could be deadly for unprepared campers and hikers. The strong winds will result in dangerously cold windchill temperatures.

Travel through mountain passes could become dangerous as wind speeds increase, temperatures fall below freezing and roads become slippery, the NWS said. Visibility could be occasionally reduced to near zero in falling and blowing snow, the NWS said.

There's another chance of light showers Wednesday across the Southland. From Thursday through the end of the week, however, dry and warmer weather are expected.