At a Glance
- Southern California will see a wet Christmas week with heavy rain on Christmas Eve and Day.
- A flood watch covers much of Los Angeles County from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening.
- The week starts dry but rainfall will reach several inches from a Pineapple Express storm.
- Why it matters: Residents should prepare for flooding, debris flows, and travel disruptions during the holiday.
Southern California residents are bracing for a wet Christmas week as a Pineapple Express storm moves through the region. The forecast calls for heavy rain on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with a flood watch in place for much of Los Angeles County. While the week begins dry, the storm will bring several inches of rain across most of the area.
A video of the forecast was broadcast on News Of Los Angeles at 6 a.m. on Dec. 22.
The forecast was reported by Marcus L. Bennett for News Of Los Angeles.
Rainfall Timeline and Forecast
The National Weather Service has outlined a detailed rain schedule for the coming days. Tuesday will bring light to moderate showers, with less than a half-inch of rain expected. Wednesday, the heaviest part of the storm, will start early and deliver heavy rainfall on Christmas Eve, accompanied by strong winds.
- Tuesday: Light to moderate showers, < 0.5 inches
- Wednesday (Christmas Eve): Heavy rainfall, strong winds
- Thursday (Christmas): Periods of rain, possibly heavy at times
- Friday-Saturday: Sporadic showers, < 0.25 inches per hour
| Day | Expected Rainfall | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | < 0.5 inches | Light to moderate showers |
| Wednesday | Heavy | Early start, strong winds |
| Thursday | Possible heavy | Periods of rain |
| Friday-Saturday | < 0.25 in/hr | Sporadic showers |
Temperature and Snow Outlook
Downtown Los Angeles will see a high of 67 degrees on Monday, cooling gradually to 59 degrees by Friday. Snow is not expected to be a major factor, with mountain levels dropping to around 7,000 feet on Thursday and Friday.
Hazards and Preparedness
Flooding concerns, hazardous mountain conditions, and major travel disruptions are possible throughout the week. City officials took preparations on Friday in response to the forecast.
News Of Los Angeles stated:
> “Strong #SoCal storm over the Christmas holiday. Rain Tue-Sat, Heaviest Tue Night-Wed FLOOD WATCH Tue Afternoon-Wed Evening All 4 counties Debris flows and widespread urban flooding possible Gusty SE winds Tue-Wed”
Key Takeaways
- Southern California will experience a wet Christmas week with heavy rain on Christmas Eve and Day.
- A flood watch covers much of Los Angeles County from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening.
- Temperatures will drop from 67 to 59 degrees, and snow is unlikely.
Residents should stay informed and prepare for potential flooding and travel disruptions during the holiday season.
