A light storm swept through the Los Angeles area on Saturday, bringing light showers and cooler temperatures. The rain, while modest, was enough to trigger a mudslide that has closed a portion of the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. The National Weather Service reported that rain is expected to continue, though it should begin to ease by noon.
Meteorologist Bryan Lewis noted that scattered showers would persist throughout the day. The rain caused mud to flow down hillsides affected by the recent Palisades fire, leading to the closure of the highway from Carbon Beach Terrace to Coastline Drive, as confirmed by the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department.
Saturday’s weather was unusually cold for this time of year, with temperatures dipping into the high 50s in Los Angeles and even lower in the Antelope Valley, where temperatures fell to the low 50s. Lewis commented on the unseasonably chilly conditions, saying that the maximum temperatures were notably cool.
As the storm moves out, Sunday is expected to bring partly cloudy skies with temperatures rising to the low 60s. The rain could total about a quarter-inch in lower areas and up to half an inch in the foothills, according to forecasts.
Despite the rainfall, the overall totals for the season remain low. Since October 1, downtown Los Angeles has received only 7.88 inches of rain, significantly below the average of 13.63 inches for that period. This is a stark contrast to last year, when the area experienced an unusually wet season with over 22 inches of rain.
Residents are reminded to stay safe and be cautious of potential hazards from the rain and mudslides as the weather continues to shift.