Los Angeles is heading into a week of dramatic weather changes, and it’s not just your typical winter drizzle. Starting with cool, cloudy skies early in the week, the city will see heavy rainfall by Thursday, raising the risk of flash flooding in flood-prone areas and regions affected by recent wildfires. If you’re living in LA, it’s time to get your rain gear and emergency plans ready.
When Will the Rain Start, and How Bad Will It Get?
The rain will begin lightly on Wednesday afternoon, but Thursday is when things take a serious turn. Heavy rain is expected throughout the day, with some areas seeing several inches of rain in a short period. This rapid downpour could overwhelm drainage systems, leading to street flooding, mudslides, and debris flows near burn scars.
By Friday morning, the worst of the rain will taper off, but lingering showers will keep the ground damp before the weekend brings sunnier skies.
Your Day-by-Day Forecast
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Tuesday, February 11: The day will begin with clouds and morning fog before clearing up for some afternoon sun. The high will be 62°F (17°C), and the low will be 47°F (8°C).
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Wednesday, February 12: This is the calm before the storm. The skies will be cloudy all day, and light showers will begin in the afternoon. The high will be 55°F (13°C), with an overnight low of 52°F (11°C).
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Thursday, February 13: Get ready for a soaking. Heavy rain is forecasted throughout the day, with flash flooding likely in low-lying areas. The high will be 59°F (15°C), and the low will remain mild at 53°F (12°C). Burn scar areas will be especially vulnerable to mudslides and debris flows, so stay alert for evacuation notices.
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Friday, February 14: The rain will ease up, but a few showers could stick around. The day will be cloudy with a high of 63°F (17°C) and a low of 52°F (11°C).
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Saturday, February 15: Conditions improve with partly sunny skies and a high of 65°F (18°C). The evening will remain mild, with a low of 51°F (11°C).
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Sunday, February 16: By the end of the week, Los Angeles will be back to its usual sunshine. Expect mostly sunny skies with some high clouds, a high of 68°F (20°C), and a low of 53°F (12°C).
Why Is This Storm So Dangerous?
This isn’t just a typical rainstorm. The incoming low-pressure system from the Pacific Ocean will bring a significant amount of moisture inland. For a city like Los Angeles, where recent wildfires have left the ground vulnerable, this could spell trouble. Areas with burn scars are at particular risk of mudslides and debris flows, as the lack of vegetation makes it difficult for the ground to absorb water.
Low-lying neighborhoods, streets with poor drainage, and areas near creeks and rivers could also see rapid flooding. What might start as a manageable amount of rain could quickly overwhelm local systems, creating dangerous conditions for drivers and residents.
Flash Flood Watch Issued for Los Angeles
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for Los Angeles County from Thursday afternoon through late Thursday night. The most vulnerable areas include recent burn zones, underpasses, and low-lying streets. Officials warn that flash floods can happen quickly, so it’s important to stay aware of weather alerts and evacuation orders.
How to Stay Safe and Prepare for the Rainstorm
- Clear gutters and drains: Make sure water can flow freely away from your home to prevent flooding.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Stock up on essentials like bottled water, flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food.
- Avoid driving in flooded areas: Never try to cross a flooded street—it only takes a few inches of water to stall your car or sweep it away.
- Be ready to evacuate if necessary: Residents near burn scars or flood-prone areas should have a “go bag” packed with clothes, important documents, and supplies.
- Stay informed: Keep your phone charged and check local news or weather apps for real-time updates.
When Will Conditions Improve?
The good news is that once the storm passes, Los Angeles will return to sunny skies and warmer temperatures for the weekend. By Saturday, the high will climb to 65°F (18°C), and Sunday will be even warmer, reaching 68°F (20°C). It’s the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh air after being stuck indoors during the storm.
Quick Recap of the Forecast:
- Monday: Partly sunny, high of 61°F (16°C), low of 47°F (8°C).
- Tuesday: Cloudy, then sunny, high of 62°F (17°C), low of 47°F (8°C).
- Wednesday: Cloudy with light showers, high of 55°F (13°C), low of 52°F (11°C).
- Thursday: Heavy rain and flash flooding risk, high of 59°F (15°C), low of 53°F (12°C).
- Friday: Lingering showers, high of 63°F (17°C), low of 52°F (11°C).
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high of 65°F (18°C), low of 51°F (11°C).
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high of 68°F (20°C), low of 53°F (12°C).
Final Thoughts: Stay Safe and Don’t Take Flood Risks Lightly
This week’s storm could bring dangerous flooding, especially in areas near burn scars and neighborhoods with poor drainage. If you live in one of these areas, don’t wait for the rain to start before preparing. Make sure you have an emergency plan in place, and if authorities issue an evacuation order, don’t hesitate to leave.
Once the rain clears, you can look forward to a sunny and pleasant weekend. But for now, stay alert, stay dry, and be safe, Los Angeles!
