Downtown Los Angeles woke up soggy on Sunday, April 12, 2026, with a steady rain, temperatures hovering near 60°F and a light south-southwest breeze keeping things gray and cool. Forecasters say this morning band is expected to drop roughly a quarter to a half inch of rain across the city, with locally heavier pockets possible if a thunderstorm rolls through.
Morning Commute And Timing
The heaviest rain is expected to hit before mid-morning, with the main band shifting east and likely exiting Los Angeles County around 11 a.m. That timing puts the heart of the morning commute right in the splash zone, so plan on slick streets, longer brake times and slower traffic. Buses and trains could also run behind schedule where standing water or reduced visibility becomes an issue. If you have to drive, ease off the gas and give yourself extra room to stop when those downpours move in.
Thunder And Flooding Risk
There is a small chance of thunderstorms this morning. Any storm that does develop could bring brief but intense downpours, with rainfall rates up to about 0.75 inches per hour, along with gusty outflow winds and small hail. Those quick bursts of heavy rain can trigger minor nuisance flooding on low-lying streets and in spots with poor drainage, although major flooding is unlikely for most neighborhoods. Steer clear of driving through standing water, since even shallow flows can stall a car or conceal potholes and debris.
Mountains And Advisories
Up in the higher terrain, snow levels are expected to drop to roughly 4,500–6,000 feet, with 5–10 inches of snow possible above 6,000 feet. A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for the Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles county mountains through 11 a.m. Monday. A Wind Advisory is also in place for the Antelope Valley into this evening, so conditions outside the basin will stay on the breezy side. For zone-specific details and the latest updates, check the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard.
Looking Ahead
Skies should start to clear on Monday, with mostly sunny weather and only a slight chance of an afternoon shower, though gusts could still reach the mid-20s mph. From Tuesday through the weekend, the pattern flips back to dry and warmer, with highs climbing into the low-to-upper 70s. For more on how this system moved in and soaked local plans, see our weekend plans get soaked.
