Southern California will have a bright Christmas – mostly sunny skies and high surf beginning on Saturday, Dec. 21, forecasters say. In Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties, temperatures will remain in the low to mid-70s with partly cloudy skies this weekend, then drop into the high 60s starting on Monday, according to National Weather Service meteorologists. San Bernardino County should stay in the low 70s throughout the week until sharply descending to a high of 64 on Christmas Day. “We have this persistent ridge of high pressure dominating the eastern Pacific area off our coast, which is keeping temperatures a little warmer,” NWS meteorologist Bryan Lewis said. Los Angeles County has a 50% chance of rain on Christmas Eve after 10 a.m., but the chance of showers remains slight in Orange County and Riverside County. San Bernardino County has a 30% chance of showers after 4 p.m. It’s likely that any precipitation will be very light, Lewis said. As a result, areas like Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear will not receive snow in time for a white Christmas. High surf warnings have been issued for over the weekend and will continue through the week. Orange County beaches will see 5-8-foot waves, and some potentially up to 11 feet. Forecasters say 7- to 10-foot waves are expected on north to west-facing beaches in Los Angeles County. Strong rip currents also are foreseen, and the high surf could lead to some flooding. The most likely timing for that would be Monday and Tuesday. Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | Tom Girardi to undergo psych evaluation at federal prison before sentencing Crime and Public Safety | Suspected DUI crash leaves 1 dead, 4 injured on 91 Freeway in Riverside Crime and Public Safety | How Southern California winter storms could be dangerous for some living near recent wildfires Crime and Public Safety | Strobing brake lights might be OK — depending on their speed Crime and Public Safety | New California law Prop 36 targeting drug and theft offenses goes into effect