Frost, wind advisory forecast now through Monday, January 7

SAN DIEGO & Riverside COUNTIES - According to the National Weather Service (NWS), weather conditions in San Diego and Riverside Counties will include frost and wind from today, Tuesday, Jan. 1 through Monday, Jan. 7. The NWS has classified these conditions as "hazardous."

Winds are expected to be moderate to strong, northeast to east winds will develop late today and strengthen overnight. Wind gusts are expected to be between 40 and 50 mph with isolated gusts near 60 mph possible through and below passes and canyons overnight.

Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 2 and continuing through Monday, Jan. 7, winds are expected to be 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 50 mph in passes and canyons.

(previous weather update)

Rain goes away but frost expected at night

SAN DIEGO COUNTY - Weather experts say chilly weather and patchy frost are in store in San Diego County tonight, Dec. 31, but no more rain or snow was expected, according to the National Weather Service.

A light coating of snow remained in some areas early today from the passing winter storm that dropped up to two inches of snow in some mountain areas and rain throughout the county this weekend. Near-freezing temperatures

and areas of frost were also reported early today, and a record low of 24 degrees was set in Ramona, the NWS reported.

Forecasters expected areas of frost over parts of the deserts and in wind-sheltered valleys tonight along with low nighttime temperatures through Wednesday,

NWS meteorologist Tina Stall said chilly temperatures, with lows in the 30s, could stick around for the next few nights, but "as we get toward the weekend, it may warm up a little bit.''

Additional rain and snowfall were not expected, she said.

"It looks looks like the precipitation is pretty much done for probably at least the rest of the work week, probably through the weekend as well,'' Stall said.

However, lingering snow from the passing winter storm could cause icy road conditions.

"If you get any melt during the day it could re-freeze again at night, causing areas of black ice, so roads can still be slick,'' Stall said.

The California Highway Patrol reported that around 6:40 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 30, Sunrise Highway was completely iced over near state Route 79. It was later closed on the north end.

The county's Department of Public Works had snow plow crews that worked through the night to clear the roads, but icy conditions remained in some mountain areas.

Snow gates were open on Sunrise Highway about 11:30 a.m., but chains were still required, according to the DPW.