Storm clouds swirl above Los Angeles skyline with palm trees swaying in Santa Ana winds and rain pouring over streets

Southern California Weather Woes and a Looming Gondola Vote Rock the Region

Southern California’s climate is on a roller‑coaster this month, with a record‑wet November, a warm Wednesday ahead of Thanksgiving, and a looming vote on a new gondola system that could link Union Station to Dodger Stadium.

Weather: From Record‑Wet November to a Warm Wednesday

On November 24, 2025, NBC4 News aired a First Alert Forecast at 6 a.m. that highlighted the rainfall of the month, noting it was the wettest November since 1967. The next day, November 25, a similar 6 a.m. broadcast reported warmer temperatures and the return of Santa Ana winds, a pattern that had been expected to shift. By November 26, the network’s morning segment announced that Wednesday would be the warmest day of the week just before a cloudy Thanksgiving.

Storm Surge: Multiple Systems Over the Week

The week began with a forecast for more rain on November 20, 2025, where clouds were expected to increase Thursday morning and spotty showers around noon. A second storm was announced on November 17, with the First Alert Forecast noting that rain would begin at different times depending on the area. Two identical broadcasts on that day underscored the uncertainty of the timing.

The next day, November 16, Camilla Rambaldi reported at 11 p.m. that the second storm was expected to creep into Ventura County around 6 a.m. Monday before traveling southeast to Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Kelley Moody’s morning forecast on Sunday, November 16, warned that a cooler system would hit Southern California very soon, delivering more rain and colder temperatures after a brief break from wet weather. Annette Arreola’s report for Today in LA on the same Sunday focused on burn scar areas that remained under threat from the possibility of mudslides.

On Saturday, November 15, Kelley Moody provided a midday storm update, detailing hours of rainfall that were expected to impact the region.

Infrastructure Alert: LA Metro Gondola Vote

In a separate development, Brittany Hope reported for NBC4 News at 6 a.m. on December 4, 2025, that a proposed gondola system connecting Union Station with Dodger Stadium faced a key vote by the LA Metro board. The project could transform transit in the area, but the outcome of the vote remains pending.

Snowpack Update: Sierra Mountains

Belen De Leon’s forecast on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, offered an update on the early season Sierra snowpack, giving residents and ski resorts a clearer picture of water resources and winter conditions.

Storm surge systems collide over cityscape with dark clouds and flooded streets and radar overlay showing timing

Santa Ana Winds: Return and Breaks

The Santa Ana winds, a familiar Southern California weather pattern, were addressed in a broadcast on December 2, 2025, where the network noted a break on Tuesday but a return from Wednesday through Friday. This pattern was also mentioned in the November 25 forecast, which highlighted the winds’ return alongside warmer temperatures.

Cold Morning Temperatures and a Warmup

A December 4, 2025, broadcast described Thursday as a mostly sunny day with cold temperatures in the morning and a warmup coming over the weekend. The network’s 6 a.m. segment on December 8, 2025, warned of high temperatures that would feel warmer than normal starting that week.

First Weekend of December Weather

Belen De Leon’s forecast for Friday, December 5, 2025, gave viewers a preview of the first weekend of December, setting expectations for conditions as the month progressed.

Large Tree Falls on Thousand Oaks Apartment

On Monday, November 17, 2025, Tracey Leong reported at 7 p.m. that a large tree toppled over an apartment complex in Thousand Oaks due to the storm’s force. The incident highlighted the physical impact of the region’s heavy rainfall.

Key Takeaways

  • Southern California experienced its wettest November since 1967, with multiple storms and heavy rainfall.
  • A key vote on a Union Station‑to‑Dodger Stadium gondola system is pending, potentially reshaping transit.
  • The region’s weather pattern includes warm days, Santa Ana winds, and significant snowfall updates in the Sierra.

The month has been a testament to the region’s complex climate, with residents and officials alike navigating a mix of heavy rain, warm spells, and infrastructure decisions that could shape the future of Southern California transit.

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