This morning's low temperature dropped to a chilly 24 degrees in Paso Robles, PG&E forecaster John Lindsey said.

But that reading is far from the record cold temperature for January in Paso Robles -- 12 degrees.

In San Luis Obispo, the low hit 30 degrees.

Today will remain cool, with high temperatures in the North County in the 40s. Elsewhere it will be in the 50s. Skies will be clear and sunny.

Lindsey said tonight will be the chilliest of the cold snap. The gentle offshore winds of the past few nights will relax to calm conditions. That will allow the temperature to drop even further than past evenings. Lows in coldest parts of the North County will drop below 20 degrees, while it will be below freezing in coastal valleys and even near the beaches.

Tuesday will mark the start of a slow but steady transition back toward warmer weather, both in overnight lows and daytime highs. By the end of the work week, highs should be near 70 degrees in San Luis Obispo and mid-60s in the North County. Lows will rise to the freezing mark in Paso Robles and near 40 in San Luis Obispo. Skies will continue to be clear, with the possibility of rain not coming until Jan. 25, Lindsey said.