*Weather forecast: Less rain, more cold

*Updated at 12:20 p.m.

The heavy rain that lashed Southern California eased this morning, but unusually cold temperatures were predicted into Wednesday along with the possibility of new snow in the foothills and even some hail.

Today’s highs were expected to be in the mid- to upper 50s with a 40% chance of showers, said meteorologist Joe Sirard of the National Weather Service.

“We do have a decent chance of showers coming up, but we don’t expect it to be quite as heavy,” he said.

Light snow was predicted as low as 2,500 feet today, which Sirard said was unusual for this time of year.

Temperatures were forecast to fall to the mid-30s and 40s overnight, with a slight chance of thunderstorms after midnight.

“It’s not record cold, but it’s obviously much colder than we are used to,” Sirard said. “You may see some frost in the morning in localized areas. ... There is even the possibility of some hail with this kind of storm system, so we need to be careful if we are out and about.”

Monday’s heavy rain was blamed for an 8-foot-wide sinkhole that opened up on the right shoulder of westbound Interstate 10 just east of Francisquito Avenue in Baldwin Park. Traffic was backed up for several hours this morning as a crew worked to repair the damage, including removing a 3-ton traffic sign that was leaning precariously over the freeway, said Maria Raptis, a spokeswoman for the California Department of Transportation. All lanes are open, but the onramp is closed, she said.

Monday’s downpours triggered evacuations in some burn areas and were blamed for at least two traffic fatalities.

--Alexandra Zavis

Comments

[Curtis]

I love it!!! Sun and Heat get old just like anything else. Now let's see a little snow....oh well i'll just be satisfied with the cold :)..