Rain Returns to Central Coast Tuesday Night: Gusty Winds, Brief Downpours Possible

After a lengthy dry spell since early January, a shift in the upper-level pattern will open the door for Pacific storms to reach Southern California, bringing light to moderate rain to the Central Coast from late Tuesday into early Wednesday, the National Weather Service (NWS) said.

What to expect

Timing: High clouds are already increasing ahead of the system poised to move onshore later Tuesday into early Wednesday. Much of the rain will fall overnight, especially south of Point Conception, but the region’s “edges” will see precip outside the core window — some rain arriving earlier on the Central Coast and lingering a bit longer into Wednesday for Los Angeles County.

Rain intensity and totals: This is not a particularly strong storm, but isolated thunderstorms are possible. Brief rain rates could reach or locally exceed one-half inch per hour. Most coast and valley locations can expect an inch or less, with 1–2 inches in the mountains.

Wind: A strong southerly pressure gradient and powerful winds aloft — with model guidance showing a jet approaching 150 knots late Tuesday night — will make it windy at times overnight into Wednesday morning, especially over higher terrain. In the Antelope Valley, south winds could gust 50–60 mph. A Wind Advisory is in effect for all interior sections from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon.

Snow: Light accumulations are possible above 6,000 feet — generally 3 inches or less, with local amounts up to 6 inches at higher elevations.

Temperatures and near-term skies

Monday: Temperatures remain above normal but are 5–10 degrees cooler than yesterday, with high clouds increasing well ahead of the storm. Expect areas of low clouds and fog to develop overnight as onshore flow returns.

Midweek: Significant cooling to near-normal levels is expected through Thursday. After a brief period of scattered showers Wednesday morning, skies trend partly cloudy with cool highs mostly in the low to mid 60s. Winds remain breezy in the mountains but ease through the day.

Thursday: Mostly dry with seasonably cool temperatures and ample sunshine, though a few ensemble members still allow for an isolated shower.

Friday–Saturday: A brief, minor warm-up is likely, aided by light offshore flow, with otherwise quiet weather to start the weekend.

Looking ahead: next storm cycle

Confidence is increasing in a longer storm cycle beginning as early as Sunday (or as late as Monday), bringing multiple rounds of precipitation and much cooler conditions through at least the middle of next week.

Off-and-on rain during this period could add another 2–4 inches area-wide. There are also indications that snow levels may lower quite a bit during this cycle. As the weekend approaches, the NWS will refine timing and precipitation amounts.

Preparation tips

• Use the lull Wednesday afternoon–Saturday to clear gutters and storm drains.
• Secure or bring inside outdoor items ahead of Tuesday night’s winds, especially in foothill and mountain areas.
• If traveling over higher terrain late Tuesday–Wednesday, plan for gusty crosswinds and possible light snow above 6,000 feet.