Chilly, wet, windy weather predicted

A cold weather system is blowing into Orange County this weekend, bringing light rain today, followed by sub-freezing temperatures at night.

National Weather Service forecaster Brad Doyle said a 50% chance of rain exists today throughout the county. In general, rainfall is expected to be 1/4 of an inch or less. In addition, gusts of wind may reach 30 mph in some areas. There may even be thunderstorms.

“It’s going to be blustery, wet and cloudy,” Doyle said.

Surf will not be high in Orange County this weekend, especially in Newport Beach; the biggest waves will be at west-facing beaches. The National Weather Service is forecasting 3- to 5-foot waves today. Doyle said rip currents are a danger.

Rain will continue into this evening, then the skies will begin to clear, setting the stage for a frigid weekend, he said.

Temperatures in a few spots will be in the mid- to high 30s tonight and Saturday night, with daytime highs Saturday in the 50s, according to the National Weather Service.

Doyle said temperatures would begin to rise Sunday.