SoCal residents are in for more rain this week after a clear and warm weekend.
National Weather Service officials stated that “a series of storms” will bring cloudy and cooler conditions to the area starting Monday; however, the first round of rain isn’t forecast to be too impactful.
“A system will approach the area on Monday, but it will dive to the south on its way into San Diego County…Clouds and the chance of rain will likely hold off until late afternoon or early evening,” the NWS area forecast discussion reads. “There is enough wrap-around moisture to generate some light showers late Monday night into Tuesday south of Point Conception.”
Up to a quarter inch of rain could fall in southern L.A. County and on Catalina Island, but most places will see less.
After the first storm leaves the area, it will pave the way for a cloudy Tuesday, NWS says. Wednesday is a “toss-up day,” but Thursday is likely to be very wet for most of SoCal.
“Much depends on the speeds of the departing and approaching systems,” officials said. “Precipitable water will approach or even exceed an inch – which is unusual for March – so this system will have plenty of moisture to work with.”
Preliminary forecasts indicate that this week’s system will dump an inch to two inches of rain for coastal and valley areas, while two to four inches is forecast for foothill and mountain communities. Minor flooding and thunderstorms are possible, and officials are warning residents of the increased risk of debris flows in areas affected by the January wildfires.
Snow levels will drop to around 3,000 feet on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service; blowing snow may make mountain travel difficult through the Grapevine, the Tejon Pass and on roadways near Acton and north of Ojai.
“It will certainly not feel like March with maximum temperatures ten to 15 degrees below normal,” NWS officials said.
