Today is the final day of decent weather this week before a colder feel along with periods of rain and an increase in the wind arrives for tomorrow and Thursday!

You will notice clouds increasing gradually today, but it is nice overall. High temperatures will be in the mid- to upper-60s.

Have the rain boots, umbrella and a heavier rain jacket beginning tomorrow. You will need that for Thursday, too with nuisance periods of moderate rain. Initially, the rain will be scattered and light tomorrow, but will become steadier into the evening and especially into the overnight hours.

Thursday is a complete washout. Highs will barely be in the low 50s. It will feel more like early April or early November - take your pick! While significant flooding is not expected, scattered large puddles will be around. Please slow down driving and budget some extra travel time for Thursday.

The 1-2 inches of rain between tomorrow and Thursday will continue to help the moderate drought parts of southern Orange County.

FORECAST:

TODAY: INCREASING CLOUDS — Sun gives way to increasing clouds. Highs around 68 degrees. UV INDEX: 7 (HIGH).

TONIGHT: Cloudy and cool. Lows around 52 degrees.

WEDNESDAY: STORM WATCH — Mostly cloudy with off and on rain showers beginning mid to late morning. Breezy and cool. Highs around 54 degrees. Lows near 48 degrees.

THURSDAY: STORM WATCH -- Cloudy with a steady, moderate rain much of the day. Scattered ponding of water, but otherwise just messy and wet travel weather. A bit windy and chilly. Wind gusts 20 to 35 mph. Highs around 52 degrees. Rain totals between Wednesday and Thursday will be around one to two inches on average. Lows near 46 degrees.

FRIDAY: IMPROVEMENTS — Partly sunny to mostly cloudy with a few spotty lingering rain showers possible. Not a washout. Still feeling cool. Highs around 59 degrees. Lows near 49 degrees.

SATURDAY: Sun and clouds. Highs around 65 degrees. A spotty shower cannot be ruled out, but keep the outdoor plans. Lows near 49 degrees.

SUNDAY: Sun and clouds. Highs around 69 degrees. Lows near 51 degrees.

MEMORIAL DAY MONDAY: Partly sunny. Highs around 71 degrees. Slight chance for a passing late-day rain shower, but keep the outdoor plans. Lows near 53 degrees.