Los Angeles Weather Alert: Incoming Heatwave Followed by Rare Rain—What You Need to Know

A potent Pacific storm is drenching Los Angeles today, ending a month-long dry streak and bringing the city its first significant November rain since 2018. The National Weather Service reports widespread showers, periods of heavy rainfall, isolated thunderstorms, and snow above 7,000 feet, with totals of 0.50 – 1.00 inch possible in the basin and up to 2 inches on south-facing foothills. Urban street flooding, slick freeways, and minor mudslides near recent burn scars are the main hazards through tonight. Key highlights • Friday: Rain tapers to showers by late afternoon; daytime high near 64 °F in downtown, dipping to the low-50s overnight. • Weekend clearing: A weak ridge rebuilds Saturday, pushing highs to 70 °F with lingering coastal clouds. Sunday stays partly cloudy with a stray sprinkle in the San Gabriel Valley. • Next week: Mild, mostly sunny weather dominates Monday–Wednesday (highs 67–71 °F), followed by another Pacific wave late Thursday that could revive showers and gusty winds. What this means for Angelenos 1. Commute caution: CHP urges drivers to slow down on I-5, the 101, and 405 as ponding develops during the evening rush. 2. Beach hazards: Elevated surf of 4–7 ft and strong rip currents persist through Saturday morning, so plan coastal visits carefully. 3. Ski season boost: Snow accumulations of 4–8 inches at Mountain High and Bear Mountain may allow earlier-than-expected slope openings. 4. Water savings: Today’s rainfall could add roughly 500 million gallons to local reservoirs, a modest but welcome recharge after a drier-than-normal fall. 7-Day Quick-Glance Forecast • Fri – Showers, 64 / 55 • Sat – Partly cloudy, 70 / 55 • Sun – Mostly cloudy, 68 / 56 • Mon – Sunny, 67 / 55 • Tue – Sunny, 71 / 55 • Wed – Sunny, 71 / 56 • Thu – Increasing clouds, PM showers 70 / 59 Bottom line: keep the umbrella handy today, expect brighter skies for the weekend, and stay tuned for the next round of Southern California rain later next week.