The heaviest of this week’s rain cycle is expected to hit Southern California on Thursday.
The National Weather Service expects 0.10-1 inch of rain on Thursday and Friday.
From Friday, Southern California is expected to see several days of dry weather before more rainfall Monday. That storm system could bring moderate rain from the light until Tuesday.
It’s been widely raining tonight, with patchy shower patterns continuing through Thursday. #cawx #larain
Latest updates for current storm rain chances pic.twitter.com/wnmngqrxke
– NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLOSANGELES) March 5, 2025
The forecast for another storm that arrives the next day and continues until March 13th could potentially result in a strip of heavy rain, but the exact amount is still not certain.
The rain began on Wednesday, which was a dry winter.
Advances this week’s storm, downtown LA suffered 5.58 inches of rain on October 1st since the start of the Water Year. This is below average at this point in the water season, at 11.08 inches. The average annual average is 14.25 inches.
Los Angeles County officials said Wednesday that they were being prepared for the rain to hit the burn zone. Palisade and Eaton burn scars are of particular concern during rain events, as there is a risk of debris flow.
Speaking of strong winds, wide gusts of winds of 40-55 mph are expected across the mountains and desert. Additionally, winds above the water can sometimes create dangerous boat conditions. Conditions will improve across the region on Friday. Everyone, please be safe! pic.twitter.com/zcn5cxaapg
– NWS San Diego (@NWSSANDIEGO) March 4, 2025
Peak rainfall rates can reach between a tenth and a third inch per hour, with rain rates in some areas reaching 0.5 inches per hour. Experts say the risk of rain slipping down a burning hillside increases as the rain begins to drop at a rate of 0.5 inches per hour.
