Downtown Los Angeles is basking in sunny skies and mild temperatures today, with afternoon highs near 67°F and light west-northwest breezes making it a solid day for errands or an outdoor lunch. That dry, warming pattern is expected to stick around through Saturday before a much stronger storm system moves in Sunday into Monday, bringing the risk of heavy rain, gusty winds and hazardous surf. Here is a quick look at the weekend and what to expect once the weather turns.
Afternoon And Weekend
Today should be partly sunny with a high around 67°F and west-northwest winds generally 0 to 10 mph. Tonight, the low will dip to about 48°F as winds increase to around 5 to 10 mph. Friday looks sunnier and a bit warmer, with highs near 71°F and southwest breezes of 5 to 10 mph. Saturday stays mild, topping out near 70°F with east-southeast winds. In short, it is a good window to enjoy the dry stretch through the weekend, but plan on conditions changing after Saturday.
Storm Risk Sunday Into Next Week
The National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard expects a strong storm system to arrive Sunday and Monday, with most coast and valley areas likely to see rain along with the potential for heavy precipitation and mountain snow. Forecasters are calling for a chance of rain after 10 a.m. on Sunday, with rain likely Sunday night into early Monday and the heaviest bands possible on Monday. Mountain snow levels are anticipated to start above about 6,000 feet and could fall later in the week. Keep an eye on updated forecasts, since timing and intensity may still shift as the system approaches.
Marine, Surf And Travel Impacts
Boaters and beachgoers should plan ahead. Rising winds and seas make Small Craft Advisories likely by Sunday night, and there is a growing chance of gale-force gusts early next week. Forecasters also warn of an increasing risk of high surf, with sets above 10 feet possible on west- and northwest-facing shores next week. Elevated high tides could boost the odds of minor coastal flooding during the highest tides. Steer clear of jetties, follow lifeguard instructions and be ready for local ferry and small-boat schedules to be disrupted if marine advisories are posted.
How To Prepare
Secure outdoor furniture, move cars off low-lying streets and avoid driving through standing water. Turn around, don't drown. If you live in canyon areas or near recent burn scars, stay especially alert for rapid runoff and debris flows during heavier rain. Have an emergency kit ready and a plan to move to higher ground if local officials advise it. Keep tuned to local alerts over the weekend for any watches, warnings or closures.
We will update this post if watches or warnings expand. For background on the warm spell and earlier surf advisories, see our Feb. 10 update on rain, rough surf and rowdy winds. Stay weather aware and give yourself extra time for travel if the rain arrives as forecast.
