LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Frigid weather will grip the Santa Monica Mountains and San Fernando, Santa Clarita and San Gabriel valleys this morning.
``A cold air mass remains in place over the region this morning, supporting near to below freezing low temperatures for many areas away from the coast,'' according to a National Weather Service statement.
A freeze warning that had been issued for the San Fernando Valley was downgraded to a frost advisory, which will be in effect until 9 a.m. A freeze warning was also issued for the San Gabriel Valley, cancelled and not replaced.
But in the Santa Monicas and Santa Clarita Valley, a freeze warning will be in force until 9 a.m.
A freeze warning means temperatures of between 29 and 32 degrees will prevail for two or more hours, requiring measures to protect crops and sensitive vegetation. Vulnerable animals and pets should be kept indoors in a house or barn. The less serious frost advisory means that frost is imminent and measures should betaken to protect sensitive outdoor plants, while pets are brought indoors.
Also scheduled until 9 a.m. is a small craft advisory, which means that hazardous sea conditions will exist for small vessels, and inexperienced mariners should stay out of the water.
Temperature highs in the Southland will be in the high 50s and low 60s today.