Area Should Enjoy Mild Weather This Week

Pleasant autumn weather is expected in the San Fernando Valley this week, with forecasters calling for mostly clear skies and afternoon temperatures in the low to mid-70s.

“Right now, California is under the influence of a high-pressure system giving us good weather,” said Gary Ryan, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service.

However, Ryan said there is a chance that a storm system brewing over the Pacific could hit Southern California by Saturday.

“We do see some potential for showers, but right now, that’s outside the forecast,” Ryan said. “People need to stay tuned for more updates.”

Kevin Stenson, a meteorologist with WeatherData Inc., which provides forecast information to The Times, said: “We’ll have to wait and see. If it tracks far north, Southern California will be dry and a little bit breezy, but if it comes south, it will bring rain.”

Otherwise, sunshine and seasonal temperatures are forecast through Friday, Stenson said.

The warmest spot in the Valley today should be Chatsworth, which could see a high of 77 degrees. Slightly cooler temperatures are forecast for Woodland Hills, Burbank and Van Nuys.

Morning temperatures are expected to range between the mid- to upper 40s through Friday.

The ultraviolet index in the Valley today will be three, considered a low-exposure level, Stenson said. Those with fair skin should be safe from burning for up to 20 minutes without protection, he added.