Posted May 21, 2006, 1:31 PM.

The storm front originated in the Gulf of Alaska and has some characteristics that might be seen in a January or February storm system.

Rainfall may be heavy at times tonight, with a half inch of rainfall expected in most areas (including the Temecula Valley, San Jacinto Valley, and Riverside). More is expected in spots (Elsinore Valley, Fallbrook and De Luz), and less in others (Menifee Valley). Showers are expected in the storm's aftermath late Monday morning and afternoon.

The storm may even deposit some snow in the local mountains, where snow levels are expected to be 7,000 feet.

Average May rainfall is just 0.12" in Temecula this decade (and 0.34" in Hemet since 2003). The timing of this storm will make it the latest significant spring storm of the decade, since WeatherCurrents began recording rainfall in Temecula in 2000.