What to Know
- Two significant storms powered by an atmospheric river are on the way to Los Angeles this week.
- Plan for rain from Tuesday into Wednesday and again from Thursday into Friday.
- These storms will be the second major rainfall event since the start of the wet season.
- The Eaton Fire and other wildfires have made the region’s hillsides more susceptible to landslides and debris flows during rainstorms.
Skies will darken at the beginning of the week in Southern California as two rounds of rain, driven by a powerful atmospheric river over the Pacific Ocean, move into the region.
These storms mark the second substantial rainfall since the wet season began, bringing some relief to a region suffering from severe to extreme drought. The lack of moisture during January, exacerbated by the drought, fueled some of the deadliest and most destructive wildfires on record in California.
The Eaton and Palisades fires, which were contained last week after burning thousands of acres, have left the hillsides denuded of vegetation, increasing vulnerability to landslides and debris flows during heavy rains.
Before last month’s much-needed rainfall, downtown Los Angeles had recorded only 0.16 inches of rain during the season, far below the average annual rainfall of about 14.25 inches. The 2022-2023 wet season saw 28.40 inches of rain in the region, followed by 25.19 inches in 2023-2024. Historically, January is one of the wettest months in Los Angeles, averaging around 4 inches of rainfall.
Tuesday and Wednesday Rain Forecast
The first storm is expected to arrive Tuesday afternoon, initially affecting Ventura County before moving through Los Angeles and Orange counties, the Inland Empire, and San Bernardino County by nighttime. The heaviest precipitation will occur overnight into Wednesday morning, with lighter showers in Southern LA County.
Rainfall will start to diminish by Wednesday afternoon. Expect gusty southwest to west winds, potentially reaching up to 40 to 50 mph in mountain and desert areas. Snow levels will remain high.
Expected rainfall totals are around 0.5 to 1 inch for Ventura County, 0.25 to 0.75 inch for Los Angeles County, and 0.25 to 0.5 inch in the Inland Empire and Orange County.
Induced by the recent wildfires, LA County has pre-deployed flood control measures like k-rails and sandbags in affected areas. Hillsides stripped of vegetation are less effective at retaining water, increasing the risk of flash flooding and debris flows.
Thursday and Friday Rain Forecast
The second storm is expected to arrive Thursday afternoon with slightly cooler temperatures, offering a chance of thunderstorms and mountain snow. This system should clear by Friday night.
Forecasters are still refining predictions regarding the exact timing and intensity of this second storm. For the latest updates, monitor this link.
Los Angeles residents and visitors are advised to stay vigilant and follow local weather advisories. Ensure that emergency kits are prepared and evacuation plans are in place if necessary.
As the wet season progresses, these storms represent a critical opportunity for increased rainfall, potentially easing drought conditions and helping to restore vegetation.
Stay safe and informed. Keep checking back for further updates.
We hope this information is helpful as you plan for the coming week’s weather. Your safety is our priority.
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