Amid California's dry spell, Los Angeles and surrounding areas are set to receive a small but measurable amount of rain this weekend.
Why It Matters
The forecast comes as California continues to battle multiple destructive wildfires. The Pacific Palisades fire has been roaring through Los Angeles County, spreading throughout the region spurred by powerful Santa Ana winds. The fire was estimated to cover more than 23,000 acres and has forced at least 30,000 to leave their homes.
This latest disaster comes on the heels of years of unprecedented weather swings, in which periods of above-average rainfall were followed by extensive droughts.
Following record-breaking rain and snow in the winters of 2022-23 and 2023-24, California endured a blistering summer and a historically dry start to the 2025 rainy season. As a result, lush vegetation from the wet winters had become tinder-dry fuel, driving these devastating fires.
What To Know
According to AccuWeather, as a storm slides south along the California coast from Friday to Sunday, it could bring some much-needed rainfall.
However, Bryan Lewis, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service (NWS), told the Los Angeles Times that the inbound precipitation is "probably not going to be enough" to fully end this year's fire season, though it will be "very welcome" nonetheless.
The forecast came as the NWS had red-flag warnings in place across the region as of early Wednesday morning.
The service warned that conditions were favorable for "extreme fire behavior and rapid fire growth," posing a threat to life and property.
San Francisco Rain Forecast
In San Francisco, according to a pricing culture analysis provided to Newsweek, temperatures are expected to remain slightly above the historical average.
According to the NWS, today's high is forecast to reach 63°F, with a low of 42°F. The next three days are projected to be similarly dry, with temperatures ranging from 42°F to 64°F, but cloudy conditions are expected into the weekend.
Los Angeles Rain Forecast
In Los Angeles, according to KTLA, the city could see an afternoon high of 81 degrees on Thursday before temperatures plunge to around 56 degrees by Sunday.
The storm could produce a quarter to a third of an inch of rain in some areas but is not expected to bring widespread downpours.
San Diego Rain Forecast
In San Diego, according to the NWS, the chance of rain increases primarily after 10 a.m. on Saturday, with cloudy skies and a high near 60°F. Evening temperatures will drop to around 47°F and showers are likely to persist into Saturday night.
What People Are Saying
NWS Los Angeles said on X, formerly Twitter, yesterday: "Significant fire weather conditions are ongoing into Thursday with an increase in winds expected (especially Thurs a.m.) and severely dry conditions."
NWS San Diego said on X yesterday: "In the meantime, we expect an uptick in Santa Ana winds Wednesday afternoon through Thursday. In combination with critically dry vegetation and relative humidity down to 2%, elevated to locally critical fire weather conditions will continue through late Thursday."
AccuWeather lead long-range meteorologist Paul Pastelok said: "The next chance of significant rain over the next six weeks appears to be Feb. 10-23. If appreciable rain doesn't occur during that stretch, it may turn dry into much of March, further exacerbating the wildfire situation."
What Happens Next
As of Wednesday morning, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said the Palisades fire in Los Angeles County was 68 percent contained.
The Eaton blaze, also in LA County, was 91 percent contained.
The Lilac fire, which has burned 85 acres in San Diego County, was 90 percent contained. However, the Clay fire in Riverside County is only 40 percent contained.
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