Southern California is bracing for more rain this Friday, adding to what has already been a wet week. The National Weather Service reports that the final round of rain is expected to bring between a tenth and a quarter of an inch of precipitation along the coast and in the valleys. Areas further north, particularly in Santa Barbara County, may see higher totals, ranging from half an inch to an inch.
Mike Wofford, a meteorologist based in Oxnard, indicated that while this rain will be more than just a light drizzle, it won’t be too heavy either. "It’s going to be a little bit more than just light rain, but not much more," he explained.
This rain is part of a system that will persist through the late afternoon or early evening. However, residents shouldn’t put away their umbrellas just yet. There’s a possibility of light rain returning on Monday. This next system is expected to primarily affect areas north of Point Conception, as remnants of an atmospheric river are forecast to impact Northern California over the weekend, bringing colder and windier conditions to the southern part of the state.
The recent storms have already made a significant impact. In Los Angeles County, the Cogswell Dam recorded 3.82 inches of rain over three days. Other areas also saw impressive totals, including Beverly Hills with 1.29 inches and downtown Los Angeles with 1.22 inches. The San Fernando Valley experienced heavy rain as well, with Woodland Hills receiving 2.28 inches.
Despite the recent rainfall, many areas in Southern California remain below normal for the water year, which began on October 1. Downtown Los Angeles has recorded 7.58 inches of rain since then, while the average for this time of year is 11.96 inches. Meteorologists emphasize that the region still has a long way to go to catch up.
This week’s storms have also caused some dramatic weather events, including a tornado in Pico Rivera and concerns about flooding and mudslides. Nevertheless, the upcoming weekend is expected to be dry, with temperatures hovering in the mid- to high 60s.
As the rain continues, officials urge residents to stay informed and prepared for changing weather conditions.