When will it rain in LA? See a storm timeline for Southern California
What to Know
• Rainfall rates will be light to moderate, but thunderstorms could produce heavy downpours.
• Strong winds, small hail, flooding, and lightning are possible.
• In Sierra Madre, an evacuation warning was in effect due to the possibility of debris flows.
• The bulk of the rain in Los Angeles County is expected at midday into the evening.
• Scattered showers with breaks in the rain are expected on Thursday before the storm winds down Friday.
Los Angeles and Southern California will see periods of rain over the next three days with thunderstorms possible as an early March storm soaks the region.
Rainfall rates will be light to moderate, but any thunderstorms could produce heavy downpours. Gusty winds, lightning, and small hail are possible.
The rainfall arrives about two months after January wildfires in Southern California, including the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles County. The fires stripped brush from hillsides, leaving them more vulnerable to mud and debris flows as rainfall rates increase. In Sierra Madre, an evacuation warning was in effect due to the possibility of debris flows. During the mid-February storms, a debris and rock flow in Little Santa Anita Creek damaged homes and streets.
In the mountains, snow levels will be around 4,000 feet, which could impact travel through major mountain passes.
The rainfall comes after a slow start to the wet season in Southern California. Extreme drought has spread into parts of San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties. Most of Los Angeles County is under moderate drought, the least severe drought category, in the latest US Drought Monitor report. At this time last year, California was drought-free after significant rainfall in February, according to the report.
When will it rain in LA?
Expect light to moderate rainfall on Wednesday with the bulk of the rain at midday and into the evening before tapering off Wednesday night. "It’s mostly beneficial… but it is going to cause some travel delays and slippery conditions," said NBCLA meteorologist Belen De Leon. "It’s (Wednesday) afternoon when you need to allow extra time and a lot of patience because the roads will be slippery."
Expect scattered showers on Thursday with some breaks in the rain. Thunderstorms could produce downpours, flooding, strong winds, lightning, small hail, and weak tornadoes. "We’ve got some winds increasing overnight along the coasts, also in the deserts and mountains," said De Leon. "We’re going to feel those winds during the afternoon hours."
By the time the storm moves out on Friday, most areas will pick up 0.50 to 1 inch of rain, with 1 to 2 inches in the mountains. Winter weather warnings and advisories are going into effect on Wednesday for Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside county mountains. The storm will wind down on Friday. Temperatures will be in the 50s and 60s for most of Southern California before a weekend warm-up.
Conclusion
The storm is expected to bring much-needed rain to Southern California, but it also brings some hazardous weather conditions. Make sure to check the latest forecasts and warnings, and plan accordingly to stay safe.
FAQs
Q: What are the expected rainfall rates?
A: Rainfall rates will be light to moderate, but thunderstorms could produce heavy downpours.
Q: What are the potential hazards associated with the storm?
A: Strong winds, small hail, flooding, and lightning are possible.
Q: What is the impact on the weather in the mountains?
A: Snow levels will be around 4,000 feet, which could impact travel through major mountain passes. Winter weather warnings and advisories are going into effect on Wednesday for Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside county mountains.
