Forget fall, the Southland is skipping directly to winter.
Rain, snow, and gusty winds are expected as early as Monday when two winter-like storms move through the area this week, according to the National Weather Service.
More: Weather Forecast
The first system is expected Monday and may bring light rain to the central coast with most of the moisture expected around Santa Barbara County.
A second, stronger system is expected to bring more measurable rain and may drop temperatures in many areas by as much as 30 degrees below seasonal norms.
"Some of those hillsides that face the incoming clouds will get a lot of rain, in a range of 1 to 2 inches, before this is over,'' said forecaster Rich Thompson at the NWS station in Oxnard.
After scattered drizzle or light rain douse the area on Tuesday, heavy rain and strong winds are likely Wednesday, with gusts up to 50 mph possible in some mountain locations.
Snow levels are expected to drop to around 7,000 feet Tuesday night which could bring some early season snowfall. Mountain traffic is not expected to be affected since most roads are at lower elevations, the NWS said.
Fair and warm weather is expected to return by Friday.
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