The Central Coast will get a taste of spring this week, with temperatures reaching 80 degrees before “a good chance of widespread rain” returns by the weekend. 

Temperatures could top 80 degrees for many areas by mid-week, according to the National Weather Service.

Warmer-than-normal conditions will continue Monday, as a strong upper level ridge remains over the area.

“Skies will remain mostly sunny, but max temps will drop a few degrees, but still warmer than normal for this time of year,” the forecast said.

Some North County communities likely will see patchy dense fog Sunday night and into Monday  morning.

Monday and Tuesday also will be windy in many areas, with gusts as high at 20 mph.

By Wednesday, the area’s high temperatures will be above normal for late February, and a few record highs may be possible, according to the forecast.

The warmest areas likely will be in the Los Angeles valleys, where temperatures might reach the low 90s.

The forecast includes a slight chance of rain at the end of the week due to an inside slider system to the north. Gusty winds, especially in canyons and mountains, will accompany this system.

But a stronger low-pressure system will follow, bringing “a decent chance for widespread rain,” according to the forecast. 

While confidence remains low about the system set to arrive nearly a week away, the National Weather Service still included a 50% chance of rain for some areas, with the best chance expected March 1.

Temperatures also will drop 15 to 20 degrees by next weekend as the system brings cooler weather to the area.