Downtown Los Angeles woke up Tuesday, April 21, 2026, to mild, mostly cloudy skies in the mid‑50s, all ahead of a late‑season Pacific front sliding through the basin. Rain chances ramp up after 11 a.m., with the afternoon high still expected to top out near 71°F before skies clear on Wednesday. Southerly breezes will pick up as the day goes on, with gusts around 20 mph downtown and stronger gusts over nearby hills and mountains.
Timing and impacts
According to the National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard, most of the wet weather should arrive from late morning into the evening, but downtown totals are forecast to stay light, generally under a tenth of an inch. Forecasters put the chance of rain at 70% this afternoon and note that a brief heavy downpour or an isolated thunderstorm could still flare up, bringing faster rainfall rates and pockets of minor urban flooding. If one of those stronger bursts rolls through, drivers can expect quick drops in visibility and shallow pooling on surface streets.
Advisories and travel
The NWS office has issued a Wind Advisory from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Small Craft Advisories remain posted for nearby coastal waters through late afternoon, so boaters and shoreline visitors are urged to use caution. The gusty south to southwest winds will be strongest over the mountains and inland areas, but coastal neighborhoods and downtown can still see brisk gusts that turn unsecured outdoor items into flying hazards. Plan on slower going for the midday and evening commute, ease off the gas on wet pavement, and steer clear of driving through standing water.
How this storm compares
This system trails a storm that clipped the city last Saturday, which brought heavier pockets of rain and stronger gusts to some neighborhoods. Forecasters expect this round to be weaker over central L.A., though it could still put a dent in outdoor evening plans. For more context, see our prior coverage on Saturday's storm. If you are heading out tonight, grab a waterproof layer and secure any loose patio furniture before the winds really get going.
