Southern California is bracing for another round of rain as a storm is set to bring much-needed moisture to the region on Thursday. Meteorologists expect the storm to deliver between a tenth and a quarter of an inch of rain along the coast, with higher amounts in the mountains and foothills. Bryan Lewis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard, noted that this storm follows a dry start to the winter season, making the rainfall beneficial.
The rain is expected to move out of the area by Friday, allowing for a dry weekend with temperatures reaching the high 60s and 70s. However, residents shouldn’t get too comfortable. Two more storms are forecasted for the following week, potentially bringing stronger weather conditions. Lewis mentioned that these upcoming storms could be more intense than the one hitting on Thursday.
While exact rain totals for the next storms remain unclear, there’s a 40% chance of moderate amounts between 1 and 2 inches, and a 30% chance of even higher totals of 2 to 4 inches. On the other hand, there’s also a 30% chance that the rain could be less than an inch.
So far, the rainfall from the current storm has been mostly beneficial, helping to hydrate dry vegetation that has suffered from a hot summer and a drier-than-normal winter. As of Thursday morning, areas like Crystal Lake in the San Gabriel Mountains recorded over an inch of rain, while coastal locations received less—around half an inch at Los Angeles International Airport.
Despite the positive effects of this rain, the region is still behind on its rainfall totals for the season. Downtown Los Angeles has accumulated only 6.11 inches of rain since October 1, which is significantly below the average of 11.27 inches for this time of year.
Authorities are keeping a close eye on burn zones, particularly in areas affected by recent wildfires. Rainfall rates are not expected to reach levels that would cause mudslides, but officials are prepared for any potential issues.
Overall, this storm and the ones to follow are seen as crucial for replenishing water supplies and reducing fire risks as Southern California heads into the spring season.