Monday morning, Jan. 8, brought moisture that’s supposed to lead to days of rain — the first notable showers in Southern California in months.

Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties could see more than an inch of rain this week, according to forecasters.

Several public agencies warned drivers to take it slow on their morning commutes as the roads become slick. Some rain is expected Monday evening, as well as temperatures as high as 68 degrees in inland Orange County followed by possible thunderstorms overnight and temperatures in the mid-50s.

Predicted highs will be 65 in Newport Beach and Yorba Linda; 66 in Laguna Beach and San Clemente; 67 in Fullerton and Anaheim; 68 in Mission Viejo; and 69 in Irvine.

By this afternoon, snow is forecast to start falling above 8,000 feet, dropping to 6,000 feet by Tuesday afternoon and 4,000 feet by Tuesday evening, as a vigorous cold front arrives from the Gulf of Alaska. Blizzard conditions are possible on Interstate 5 over The Grapevine on Tuesday.

According to the National Weather Service, winds will also pick up Monday night and into Tuesday morning with gusts reaching 25 mph in some areas. Heavy rain and strong winds are possible Tuesday morning. Both days will be mostly cloudy.

The rainfall comes after dry conditions since October that helped fuel the destructive wildfire season in California. Fires scorched land that is now more susceptible to mudslides and flooding.

The expected moisture will be welcome news for a majority of residents, but not those who live in the Creek, La Tuna, Rye and Skirball burn areas, where there is a “strong potential for mud and debris flows,” NWS Meteorologist Joe Sirad said. “People in burn areas need to take protective measures and listen for evacuation messages.”

Saturday could bring sunny skies and highs above 80 in Southern California, but more rain may arrive around Monday, Jan. 15, Sirad said.

City News Service contributed to this report.