Current Storm Overview

According to Bryan Lewis, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service in Oxnard, the storm is anticipated to produce rainfall amounts ranging from a tenth to a quarter of an inch along the coast on Thursday, with foothills and mountainous regions likely receiving more substantial totals.

Post-storm conditions are expected to be dry over the weekend, with temperatures predicted to reach the high 60s to low 70s. However, weather patterns indicate the arrival of two additional storms next week.

Forecast for Upcoming Storms

The forecast for the forthcoming midweek storm suggests the potential for moderate rainfall totaling between 1 to 2 inches, with a 30% probability for totals reaching up to 4 inches. Conversely, there remains a 30% chance that rainfall could be less than an inch.

Currently, it is difficult to ascertain exact rain totals, but forecasters emphasize that the rain from the ongoing storm has been largely beneficial, aiding dry vegetation that suffered through a hot summer and a drier-than-average winter that has contributed to severe wildfires.

Recent Rainfall Totals

As of Thursday morning, Crystal Lake in the San Gabriel Mountains recorded 1.18 inches of rain, while Camp 9 in the high desert received 1.14 inches. Coastal areas saw slightly less precipitation, with Los Angeles International Airport measuring just under half an inch and Long Beach receiving 0.29 inches.

Despite these inputs, downtown Los Angeles has recorded only 6.11 inches of rain since the water year commenced on October 1, lagging behind the seasonal average of 11.27 inches, and significantly below the annual norm of 14.25 inches.

Wildfire Concerns and Safety Preparedness

Lewis remarked, “These rains certainly help. It’s not bringing those high totals, but it’s still kind of dampening the fuels and hopefully giving us enough moisture to stay clear of the fire season for longer.” This is particularly relevant for areas affected by recent wildfires, such as the Palisades and Eaton fire burn scars, which pose heightened risks for debris flows during heavy rain events. Fortunately, the expected rainfall rates are not anticipated to trigger destructive slides this week.

Predictions estimate peak rainfall rates may reach between a tenth to a third of an inch per hour, with localized areas potentially seeing half an inch per hour—this threshold increase is when the risk of mudslides intensifies.

Impact on Snowpack and Mountains

The storm system has also provided much-needed snow to California’s mountains, with more precipitation anticipated throughout Thursday. This fresh snowfall is vital for replenishing local water sources and supporting winter sports activities.