Autumn splendor to make way for wintry storm

At last, it seems, fall has arrived in the Northern San Joaquin Valley. Leaves are turning golden and red and falling gently to the ground below.

But the splendor is likely short-lived, as the first real storm of November is set to move in early Saturday.

National Weather Service forecasters are calling for a wet weekend as a Pacific frontal system brings rain to the lower elevations and snow to the mountains.

The heaviest rain is expected Saturday morning with it tapering in the evening. As much as 1 1/2 inches of rain could fall in some areas, with 1 or 2 feet of snow in the mountains. Highs in the Valley will reach the mid 60s with lows in the 50s.

Sunday brings a 70 percent chance of rain, with thunderstorms possible after 10 a.m.

The storm is expected to clear out Monday, when a mostly sunny sky will return. The workweek looks to bring much of the same.

This story was originally published November 18, 2016 at 4:40 PM with the headline "Autumn splendor to make way for wintry storm."