Temperatures dipped into the 30s in some part of Southern California and wind speeds picked up early Wednesday as a weather system that is expected to bring cool conditions into the weekend -- and possibly rain -- arrived in the region.
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Wind advisories and a freeze warning are in effect for Riverside County. Freeze warnings also are in effect for Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.
The coolest conditions early Wednesday were reported in the Antelope Valley and other inland areas.
Temperatures in the mid-30s were reported early Wednesday in Lancaster and Apple Valley.
"This is not the coolest day we'll have," said NBC4 meteorologist Crystal Egger. "It's actually felling like December."
The freeze warning in the Antelope Valley is expected to remain in effect until Friday morning and temperatures in the 20s are likely later this week.
A freeze warning is issued when are likely to drop below freezing over a large area for an extended period. Crops and sensitive vegetation should be protected.
Wednesday's wind advisories are expected to expire before noon. Some of the strongest gusts will reach 60 mph in mountain areas.
"When you get some clearing overnight and the winds eventually relax, that leads to a cold start," Egger said.
Mostly sunny skies are expected until Friday, when the system might bring rain to parts of the region.
An inch to two inches of snow accumulation above 4,500 feet was possible Wednesday in Riverside County mountains, according to the National Weather Service.
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