Parts of Southern California are expected to experience a drizzly Monday, but brighter days are ahead. The National Weather Service has indicated that a weak cold front is moving through the region, bringing light rain to areas such as San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties before reaching Los Angeles County later in the day.
Forecasters predict a 30% to 40% chance of rain in Los Angeles County, particularly in the mountains and the San Gabriel Valley. However, rainfall amounts are expected to be minimal, with less than a tenth of an inch in areas south of Point Conception. Rose Schoenfeld, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard, noted that some mountain areas could see a few inches of snow at elevations above 5,000 feet. Meanwhile, the 5 Freeway near the Grapevine may also receive a light dusting of snow.
By Tuesday, the forecast looks promising for Los Angeles, with sunshine returning and temperatures climbing into the high 60s to mid-70s. Schoenfeld mentioned that there are no significant rain chances expected through the upcoming Sunday, allowing residents to enjoy clearer skies.
This rain comes on the heels of a wet week that has already replenished the region’s moisture levels and provided much-needed snow in the mountains. Downtown Los Angeles recorded 2.04 inches of rain this month, but it still lags behind the average for this time of year. Since the water year began on October 1, downtown has received 7.62 inches of rain, falling short of the expected 12.17 inches.
In Northern California, a weekend storm brought steady rain to the Bay Area, along with gusty winds and heavy snow in the mountains. A winter storm warning is currently in effect for the northern Sierra Nevada, including the Lake Tahoe area, until 11 p.m. Monday, warning of heavy snow and winds that could reach up to 75 mph.
Looking ahead, there is a possibility of another storm delivering additional rain towards the end of the month, although it is too early to determine how much precipitation might fall. For now, Southern California residents can look forward to a brief respite from the rain and enjoy the sunshine in the days to come.