At a Glance
- Wet showers expected on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Southern California.
- Ventura County and the high desert will see early-day rain, with a brief dry spell before nightfall.
- The Rose Parade will likely run in the rain for the first time since 2006.
- Why it matters: Residents and parade attendees need to plan for wet conditions and limited umbrella use.
Southern California is bracing for a wet New Year’s Eve as a low-pressure system from the south rolls in on Wednesday. Meteorologist Melissa Magee warns that showers will hit Ventura County and the high desert early, pause in the afternoon, then return for the night. The forecast also suggests rain could fall over the famed Rose Parade, a first in nearly two decades.
Wet Weather Expected for New Year’s Eve
The storm will arrive Wednesday morning, bringing scattered showers across the region. Melissa Magee noted that much of the moisture will stay until New Year’s Eve night, coinciding with the celebrations. A short break is predicted in the afternoon before rain resumes.
Melissa Magee stated:
> “As we get into our Wednesday morning, so this is New Year’s Eve Day, you could see we’ve got the possibility of some scattered showers,”
> “I think a lot of the moisture is going to hold off until we get into New Year’s Eve night, so this is as we get ready to ring in the new year and into New Year’s Day. Keep this in mind if you’re heading over to the Rose Parade.”
- Early-day showers in Ventura County and high desert.
- Afternoon break with reduced precipitation.
- Nighttime rain expected to continue through New Year’s Day.
- Additional disturbance from the Gulf of Alaska may bring more showers later in the week.
Impact on the Rose Parade
Despite the forecast, organizers plan to keep the parade on schedule. According to Lisa Derderian, the Pasadena Public Information Office, the event has not experienced rain since 2006. Attendees are advised to prepare for wet conditions.
Community Response and Precautions
While the Lytle Creek community of Fontana cleans up debris from last week’s storm, residents brace for the upcoming wet spell. Umbrellas are prohibited along the parade route, so the city recommends ponchos and rain jackets.
- No umbrellas allowed on the parade route.
- Ponchos and rain jackets encouraged.
- Fontana residents are clearing debris and staying alert for additional showers.
Christian Cazares reports for News Of Los Angeles News at 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025.
Melissa Magee added:
> “So, two things that’ we’re tracking for the latter half of our work week into the start of the 2026 weekend.”
Key Takeaways
- Wet showers will hit Southern California on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
- The Rose Parade may run in rain for the first time since 2006.
- Residents should use ponchos/rain jackets; umbrellas are banned on the route.
With the storm set to arrive on Wednesday, Southern California residents should prepare for a wet New Year. Whether attending the Rose Parade or simply heading out, staying dry will be key.
