CLOUDS BRINGING SHOWERS.

Byline: Daily News

Clouds that darkened the skies much of the day Saturday were the gloomy advance team for a rainstorm expected some time late today, weather officials said.

``We've got a storm moving down here from the north-northwest of us,'' said Jonathan Slermmer, meteorologist with the National Weather Service. The dreary clouds Saturday were the leading edge of that storm, expected in the San Fernando Valley late this afternoon or early evening, he said.

The rain is likely to pick up Monday, bringing as much as an inch or so to the area. There's a possibility of some showers through midweek.

In addition to umbrellas, area residents might want to think about digging out sweaters for the next few days.

Today, high temperatures are expected to be near 60, but for Monday, ``we're looking at mid-50s,'' Slermmer said. ``It will be getting a little bit cooler.''

Rainy weather is typical for a winter season, although this year has been so dry, it might feel out of place to some.

Since July, when the weather year begins, the area has seen 2.03 inches of rain. Normal to date is 7 inches, Slermmer said.

For skiers, the cold, wet spell brings good news.

``Given the cold nature of the storm, we're expecting fairly low snow levels coming down to about 4,000 feet by Monday,'' Slermmer said. ``There could be several inches of accumulation.''