Fall arrives in Central Valley at last

MODESTO -- It's a couple of weeks late, but it appears autumn has arrived at last in the Northern San Joaquin Valley.

After several days of triple-digit temperatures and then a drop only into the high 90s, this week looks to be much cooler. The National Weather Service predicts highs in the mid-70s most of the week. And forecasters say there's a small chance of rain on Tuesday but there will be mostly sunny conditions.

Temperatures are expected to rise into the 80s by the weekend - perfect weather for corn mazes, pumpkin patches and other outdoor fall activities.

Residents and visitors in the foothills will see much the same, with highs a few degrees lower.