Unusually Cold Winter Storm Approaching: Foothills Affected Friday Through Saturday

With winter weather on the horizon, the horticulture community is on alert and the coming cold snap affects every bougainvillea you see.

A very cold storm system is moving in from Canada by Thursday, Feb. 24, reaching the foothills of Southern California Friday night. The National Weather Service predicts temperature drops like those last seen in  2002. Lower temperatures Friday night will yield to rain showers Saturday morning, with freezing temps Saturday night.

Preliminary rainfall in the foothills of Los Angeles County is expected to be one to two inches. One half to one inch is predicted for coastal valleys.

The low cold air mass will reach Ventura and Los Angeles counties Friday night.  Thunderstorms and low snow levels at 2000 to l000 feet are predicted Friday night and Saturday in Santa Clarita, and foothills including Mt. Wilson.

A winter storm watch remains in effect Friday afternoon through late Saturday night. Mountain roads could be affected by snow and ice. Motorists, hikers and campers are encouraged to take precautions on the road and trail. Gardeners are advised to protect tender succulents, citrus and bougainvillea. 

Temperatures predicted Friday night for Mt. Wilson Friday night, 28 degrees, with 11 to 17 inches of snow possible. Saturday, snow showers likely before 10AM, with a low Saturday night of 21 degrees. 

Local weekend temperatures for the foothills of Sierra Madre, Friday night 42 degrees, Saturday night, 33. Arcadia, Friday night at 44 degrees, Saturday night, 31 degrees. Monrovia, Friday night around 43 degrees, Saturday night, 31.  La Cañada Flintridge, Friday night 43 degrees, Saturday night 32. Altadena, Friday night 42 degrees, Saturday night 31.  Pasadena, Friday night 44, Saturday night 36.  South Pasadena and Alhambra, Friday night 44, Saturday night 35. Sunday, mostly sunny in the mid 50s.