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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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Los Angeles could see nearly double the rain it has received since October 1 with an incoming storm.
Why It Matters
Southern California has experienced an abnormally dry start to its water year, which begins in October. The dry weather exacerbated wildfires that tore through the region in January.
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Incoming rain could help remedy the dry winter that Southern California has seen, but it also comes with hazards that National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists are warning about.
What To Know
As of February 11, downtown Los Angeles has only received 2.65 inches of rain since the wet season began on October 1. The typical amount the city sees from October 1 to February 11 is 8.3 inches.
The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor shows that 21 percent of the state is struggling with extreme drought. Three months ago, no part of the state was classified as having extreme drought.
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According to the most recent rainfall forecasts, the incoming storm, expected to hit Thursday morning, could bring 2.09 inches of rain to Los Angeles.
Meteorologists expect widespread amounts of 1 to 3 inches of rain across Southern California, with mountainous regions expecting even more. Some high-elevation areas could see 6 to 10 inches of rain.
Although the incoming rain will likely help the region remedy its water deficit so far this season, it also comes with hazards, some of which are related to the wildfires.
The flames have since been extinguished, but the blazes left behind burn scars. These areas are susceptible to mudslides and debris flows when hit with heavy rain. NWS meteorologists from the Los Angeles office warned of a "high risk of significant road flooding and burn scar debris flows."
NWS meteorologist Bryan Lewis told Newsweek that the strongest rain will hit Thursday night, adding that debris flows are his biggest concern with the storm.
What People Are Saying
NWS Los Angeles, in a flash flood watch: "Heavy rain over the burn scars could trigger life-threatening and damaging flooding and debris flows. National Weather Service is forecasting heavy rainfall over numerous burn scars with the greatest risk over and near the Eaton, Palisades/Franklin, and Bridge, which may lead to flash flooding and debris flows."
NWS San Diego, on X, formerly Twitter: "Time for a little wet weather. Showers will move through much of the area for your Wednesday. This will be light for many with heavier rainfall expected by Thursday and Friday. Please stay safe on the roads!"
What Happens Next
Although this storm is expected to saturate the area, there's a high risk for below-average precipitation and a slight risk for above-average temperatures for Southern California from February 17 to February 21, according to the six- to 10-day outlooks from the NWS Climate Prediction Center.
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