A storm system is expected to bring moderate to locally heavy rain to the region, with a slight chance of thunderstorms Wednesday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said mostly dry and cool weather is expected Thursday into early Friday. Forecasters predict another, weaker storm may bring some showers to the region late Friday through early Sunday, with dry, warmer weather returning next week.
In their forecast, NWS said their models are having trouble settling on where heavy rain will fall.
“Yesterday’s focus was over the coastal waters and eastern LA County but today that has shifted west to SB County where the most unstable air will be during the late morning and early afternoon hours,” said the forecast. “Overall rain amounts still look on track as mentioned below but there will be pockets of heavier rain as with the last system that caused isolated locations to have considerably more than the average.”
Forecasters are predicting total rainfall of 0.75 to 1.5 inches and up to 2 to 3 inches possible across some areas. Snow is predicted to fall between 6,500 and 7,500 feet.
“Winter weather advisories may be needed, since there is a chance that snowfall totals could reach 3-7 or 4-8 inches at elevations above 7,000 feet. Rainfall rates could exceed one half inch per hour, which could cause minor mud and debris flow for recent burn areas,” said the forecast. “Heavy rain and snow melt could cause flooding concerns in the mountains.”
The Los Angeles County Health Office extended a Cold Weather Alert due to the National Weather Service’s forecast for low temperatures. Wind chill temperatures are expected to be below 32 degrees Fahrenheit in some mountain areas and the Antelope Valley.
“Children, the elderly, and people with disabilities or special medical needs are especially vulnerable during cold weather. Extra precaution should be taken to ensure they don’t get too cold when they are outside,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “There are places where people can go to stay warm, such as shelters or other public facilities. We also want to remind people not to use stoves, barbecues or ovens to heat their homes due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.”
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority has a Winter Shelter Program available for those who need shelter.
In Santa Monica, the closest winter shelter is at the West Los Angeles Armory (1300 Federal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025) and is open until March 31, 2020.
Free transportation to the West Los Angeles Armory is available from the Venice Skate Park (1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291) at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (times may vary depending on traffic).
Winter shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis to single adults. Families with minor children in need of shelter should call 211.
For more information about finding winter shelter and the full winter shelter list in Los Angeles County, please visit https://www.lahsa.org/winter-shelter or call the 24-hour Winter Shelter Hotline at (800) 548-6047.
Santa Monica forecast:
Wednesday
Rain before 11 a.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5 p.m. High near 61. East northeast wind 5 to 15 mph becoming south southwest in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Wednesday Night
A chance of showers before 11 p.m., then a slight chance of rain after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. South wind around 5 mph becoming northeast in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Thursday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. South southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.
Friday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.
Friday Night
A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.
Saturday
A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 62.
Saturday Night
A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.
Sunday
A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 64.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 50.
