Southern California does get real weather. Sometimes.

We had record cold yesterday and we're looking at possible rain tonight. Today's high temperature wasn't expected to break 60. That's not a Midwestern blizzard. But it's weather.

The National Weather Service said Sunday's low temperature of 36 degrees at USC tied the station's all-time record low, set in 1916.

Overnight, federal forecasters warned of a “cold air mass” that pushed temperatures in Los Angeles County valleys to the lower to mid-30s. Same went for the Santa Monica Mountains, they said.

The Ojai Valley in Ventura County was expected to see low temps in the mid-20s.

“Those who live in areas where near or below freezing temperatures are expected should take action to protect sensitive plants and crops,” the NWS said in a statement. “Also provide pets and livestock with proper shelter.”

Freezing and near-freezing temps were expected again overnight, but with the added drama of possible rain. A low-pressure system was moving in from the north, but forecasters were unsure if it would bring significant precipitation.

“The front will weaken as it drops south down the coast,” the NWS said. There's “enough moisture for showers,” but “model precipitation fields show little precipitation.”

Mountain snow was possible, including along the 5 freeway Grapevine, forecasters said.

Warming was expected midweek, with a high-pressure system moving in and offshore winds taking over, according to the NWS. Normal, warm temperatures were expected by New Year's Day.

Federal forecasters initially said “a series of wet storms” might hit next week. Sounds like El Niño. But then they backed off, calling only for “cloudy and cooler weather.”

Stay warm.