Winter has Los Angeles trading one weird storm for another this week, according to NBC 4 Meteorologist Fritz Coleman.
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Wednesday was cold and breezy for Angelenos who have been spoiled with a warmer-than-normal winter. Widespread temperatures hung in the high 50s and winds blew between 35 and 55 mph in the coastal, inland valley and mountain areas.
Nearly a quarter inch of rain fell in Simi Valley and Pacoima, and slightly more than a quarter inch soaked Riverside. But just before midnight, only Big Bear and 29 Palms were left with a trace of rain.
A winter weather advisory is in effect for the mountain areas until 3 a.m. Thursday. A cold low-pressure system will bring gusty winds, snow between 2-4 inches above 4,500 feet and blowing snow that may impair driving, according to the National Weather Service.
Rain showers are expected again Thursday morning for the mountain communities with the coastal and inland valley areas drying up in time for the weekend.
Then the Southland will trade one storm for another -- with strong Santa Ana winds blowing through Thursday and Friday. Gusts are expected to exceed 65 mph in the canyons and passes.
Thursday's expected high will be in the low 70s with sunny skies. Temperatures will reach an overall low-to-mid 60s by Sunday.
The Southland was sprinkled with light rain showers throughout the day Wednesday and held onto a slight chance of thunderstorms developing Wednesday evening.
The second cold storm of the week brought low snow to the Cajon Pass. Shortly after noon, rain turned to snow and drivers faced a challenge they haven't seen much this year.
"This is kind of interesting," said driver Shawn Holt. "I've had the rain, snow, and a little sunshine because I came from Vegas. So, it's like the four seasons on one little trip."
Steady rain moved into the Burbank area just after noon Wednesday. This unstable cold storm produced more incidents like that across SoCal -- with showers becoming heavy at times and then tapering off.
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Adding to the weather-related traffic concerns, commuters could also face problems Wednesday with President Barack Obama's visit, which has historically caused major traffic jams throughout the area.
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