By Jim Purpura. Posted March 5, 2013, 8:38 AM.

A storm will bring a dramatic change from last weeks warm temperatures, and remind us the calendar says it's still winter.

The strong high pressure ridge has moved east and a trough of low pressure is digging in. It will set the stage for a chance of light rain Wednesday and Thursday, followed by rain and thunderstorms Friday and Friday night. The freezing level will be cold and the air quite unstable, so graupel or small hail is possible with the thunderstorms.

Like so many of our storms this winter, a tap of subtropical moisture is missing, so rainfall amounts will be somewhat limited. Expect totals of 1/3 to 1/2 inch of rain in the Inland Empire, a 1/4 to 1/3 inch in Simi Valley. Snow levels will fall to 3000 feet Friday, possibly a bit lower in thunderstorms. There could be 4 to 8 inches of snow in the mountains above 4000 feet, along with quite windy conditions.

After a chance of showers Saturday, Sunday and Monday look to be mostly clear and cool, with a warming trend on the way.