by Los Angeles, California — After days of record-setting rain, gusty winds, and flood concerns, Southern California is finally on track for a stretch of drier and sunnier weather, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters say the region should begin to see relief starting Tuesday, with calmer conditions lasting through much of the week.
The shift comes after a parade of storms drenched the Southland over the holiday period, prompting evacuation warnings near recent burn scars and causing localized flooding in low-lying and urban areas.
Storms deliver heavy rain and elevated risks
A series of systems pushed across the region, bringing heavy downpours, gusty winds, and elevated surf, particularly impacting coastal and foothill communities. The concerns were greatest in areas affected by recent wildfires, where saturated soils raised the risk of mud and debris flows.
Forecasters noted that rain and high-elevation snow continued into the weekend as another storm system tracked across the Central Coast, impacting Ventura and Los Angeles counties Sunday evening and overnight before tapering near sunrise Monday.
Rain totals climb across Los Angeles County
Rainfall amounts varied by location, but several areas saw significant totals over the past two days:
- Downtown Los Angeles: 0.84 inches
- Hollywood Reservoir: 1.04 inches
- Porter Ranch (San Fernando Valley): 1.53 inches
- La Cañada Flintridge: 1.47 inches
- Crystal Lake (San Gabriel Mountains): 2.12 inches
These totals underscore how widespread and persistent the rainfall was across the region, especially in foothill and mountain communities.
Flood advisory remains in effect through Sunday night
The National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties, warning of moderate to heavy rain at times through Sunday night.
Read Also: Southern California Faces Another Wet Weekend as Storm System Moves In
Radar models projected 0.25 to 1 inch of additional rainfall for many areas, with up to 2 inches possible in foothill and mountain locations. Rainfall rates were expected to average 0.25 to 0.50 inches per hour, with an outside chance of 1 inch per hour in stronger cells.
Forecasters cautioned that these rates could lead to “nuisance urban flooding” and minor mud or debris flows, particularly in vulnerable terrain.
Lighter rain lingers into Monday
While the heaviest precipitation was expected to wind down overnight, meteorologists said lighter showers could linger into Monday as residual moisture rotates offshore. Impacts should be minimal compared to the weekend storms, but wet roads and slick conditions may persist during the morning commute.
Snow continues for higher elevations
In the mountains, the storms brought several inches of snow, benefiting winter recreation areas. Snow levels were expected to remain between 6,000 and 7,000 feet, allowing mountain resorts to pick up fresh accumulation as the system exits.
Sunshine returns as temperatures stay cool
Looking ahead, forecasters say a developing weather pattern will bring clearer skies and a gradual warming trend — though temperatures will remain below seasonal norms.
“For Wednesday, as the upper low moves into Baja Mexico, it should be dry across the area,” the National Weather Service reported. “With the dry conditions and more sunshine, temperatures will rebound, but still remain below normal.”
Temperatures are expected to be cooler than average from Wednesday through Friday night, before slowly moderating.
A welcome break after a wet stretch
For residents across Southern California, the return of sunshine offers a much-needed pause after days of unsettled weather. Officials still urge caution in areas prone to runoff and encourage drivers to remain alert on damp roadways.
How did the storms affect your neighborhood — flooding, snow, or just much-needed rain?
Share your experience in the comments and join the conversation with other Southern California readers tracking this changing weather pattern.
