Cold, rain to sweep in for Thanksgiving week

Cold, rainy and windy weather is set to hit the Bay Area this week as people travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, according to the National Weather Service.

Light rain is expected in the region late tonight or early Tuesday, with rainfall amounts not likely to exceed a half-inch, weather service officials said.

By late Wednesday night and Thanksgiving morning, temperatures in the region may drop to near freezing, but Thursday is expected to remain dry, according to the weather service.

The cold weather system will bring northwest winds starting Tuesday, with the strongest gusts near the coast reaching 35 to 40 mph, weather service officials said.

Forecasters said slick roadways from the wet and cold weather could cause longer travel times for commuters or those hitting the road for Thanksgiving. People going over the Sierra Nevada should closely monitor travel conditions because snow is forecast there this week, according to the weather service.