Southern California is bracing for another round of rain as a new storm approaches. This weather system is expected to bring much-needed moisture to the region after a dry start to the winter. Meteorologists predict that the storm will deliver between a tenth and a quarter of an inch of rain along the coast on Thursday, with higher totals in the mountains and foothills.
The storm is set to move out of the area by Friday, giving way to a dry weekend with temperatures reaching the high 60s and 70s. However, residents should not get too comfortable, as two additional storms are forecasted to arrive next week. These upcoming storms may be stronger than the current one, raising hopes for more significant rainfall.
Rainfall totals from the recent storms have so far been manageable, with no major damage reported. This is particularly beneficial for the dry vegetation that has been struggling after a hot summer and a drier-than-normal winter, which contributed to one of the most destructive fire seasons in recent history.
As of Thursday morning, Crystal Lake in the San Gabriel Mountains recorded 1.18 inches of rain, while Los Angeles International Airport received just under half an inch. Despite this, the area is still behind on rainfall for the season. Downtown Los Angeles has only seen 6.11 inches of rain since the water year began on October 1, well below the average of 11.27 inches for this time of year.
Officials are keeping a close eye on burn zones, particularly those affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires. The risk of debris flows is a concern during rain events, but current predictions suggest that rain rates will not reach levels that could trigger destructive slides.
As the storms continue, the hope is that they will help alleviate the drought conditions and reduce the risk of wildfires in the months ahead. The community remains vigilant but optimistic about the rain’s potential benefits.