Southern California is bracing for clear skies and rising temperatures this week after dodging major disasters from a dark, stormy Halloween weekend that brought widespread showers and coastal beach hazard warnings. National Weather Service forecasters report that while gusty west winds and southern swells created choppy ocean conditions over the weekend, the region emerged relatively unscathed without major flash flood or mudslide events.
Beach Hazard Warnings and Ocean Swell Forecasts
Beach hazard warnings remain in effect along the coast until Monday at 6 p.m. due to lingering gusty west winds and a persistent southern swell. Calmer ocean conditions are expected to arrive Tuesday and Wednesday before an active storm pattern over the north Pacific generates new northwest swells. Forecasters note these upcoming swells will likely impact the coastline starting Thursday and peaking by Saturday.
Did You Know? Alhambra, located in the San Gabriel Valley, recorded some of the highest rain totals in the L.A. Basin at about an inch and a half during the weekend storms.
Rainfall Totals Across Southern California Counties
Weekend rainfall varied across the region, with most of the Los Angeles coast and metro area receiving an average of a quarter of an inch to an inch of precipitation. Downtown Los Angeles recorded an average of 0.7 inches of rain, while San Diego, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties generally saw between a quarter of an inch and three-quarters of an inch. The corridor connecting Ventura, Oxnard, and Point Mugu State Park also caught heavier rain, accumulating between half an inch and an inch and a half.
Expert Insight: While the weekend storm prompted flood advisories Saturday night for Ventura, Orange, and San Diego counties, the lack of major flash flood or mudslide events reported highlights the region’s current resilience.
Seasonal Temperatures and Upcoming Heat Risks
By late Sunday, rain had cleared across Southern California, leading to generally dry conditions with seasonal temperatures expected through Thursday, according to Devin Black, a meteorologist with the weather service in Oxnard. After Thursday, weak to moderate Santa Ana winds could bring low to moderate heat risk into the weekend. A low pressure ridge is building over the region, causing inland winds sloping down from the mountains to warm the air. Paul Steward, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego, stated that temperatures could creep back up to the mid-80s by the end of the week, with some weather models suggesting a possible return of wet weather the following week.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do coastal beach hazard warnings expire?
Beach hazard warnings along the coast will remain in effect until Monday at 6 p.m. due to gusty west winds and choppy seas.
Which areas recorded the highest rainfall totals?
Alhambra in the San Gabriel Valley received some of the highest rain totals in the L.A. Basin at about an inch and a half, matching heavier precipitation totals found in the Ventura, Oxnard, and Point Mugu State Park corridor.
What temperature can coastal areas expect by the end of the week?
Temperatures could creep back up to the mid-80s by the end of the week as weak to moderate Santa Ana winds bring low to moderate heat risk.
How will these sudden temperature shifts and upcoming weekend swells impact your local coastal plans over the coming days?