Northern California has been hit hard by the season’s first major atmospheric river storm, with rainfall totals expected to exceed 12 inches in some areas and possible flooding and landslides. be.
The so-called bomb cyclone’s impact in Southern California was less dramatic, representing how quickly the storm strengthened in the Pacific Ocean before moving toward the coast, but forecasters said , says some rain is likely by the end of the week, but the amount will still be small. Not clear.
Here’s what we know:
forecast
Rain chances are steadily increasing in Southern California as the system advances, and forecasters now believe the region could receive measurable amounts of rain this weekend and early next week. are.
Friday: Rain begins to fall in San Luis Obispo County.
Saturday: Los Angeles and Ventura counties experienced morning and evening rain.
Next week: Rain is possible from Sunday into Wednesday, but the forecast remains fluid.
conditions
Between one-tenth of an inch and one-third of an inch of rain could fall in Los Angeles and Ventura counties Saturday. Up to 1 inch could be seen in some areas in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.
The region is expected to see rain as early as Friday in northern SLO, with rain expected to start as early as Saturday morning in LA and Ventura. Most areas will see less than an inch of rain total by Saturday night, but more rain is expected in the Santa Lucia Mountains. More rain is expected Sunday into Wednesday. #laraine #cawx pic.twitter.com/BVGGir92nc
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) November 21, 2024
fire hazard
The storm comes just two weeks after wildfires in Ventura County destroyed or damaged more than 350 homes. The fire was caused by dry weather and strong Santa Ana winds.
“We think we’re going to get more beneficial rain,” said Brian Lewis, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Oxnard. He noted that while this weekend’s rain may alleviate fire concerns to some extent, it likely won’t eliminate them completely.
long term trends
The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center predicts an increased chance of above-average precipitation across much of California through at least the end of this month, but forecasts extending into mid-December are becoming more clear. do not have. The latest three-month outlook through January shows an equal chance of above- or below-average precipitation.
