SANTA MONICA, CA — A storm system will bring moderate to heavy rainfall, hazardous waves and significantly cooler conditions to Santa Monica and much of Los Angeles County starting Tuesday afternoon through the rest of the week, according to the National Weather Service.
Moderate to heavy rain is possible over the weekend with rainfall on New Year’s Eve on Saturday especially likely, NWS said. Colder temperatures will be in stark contrast to recent warm temperatures seen in the county on Dec. 25 in places like downtown Los Angeles, which recorded an almost record-breaking 84 degrees on Christmas.
“Say goodbye to the warmth,” NWS Los Angeles said on Twitter. “Big drop in temperatures on track between today and tomorrow (Tuesday). Expect 15-20 degrees of cooling thanks to the approaching storm system.”
On Tuesday in Santa Monica, there was a 97 percent chance of rain with a high of 63 degrees and a low of 52 degrees according to AccuWeather. Residents should expect a break on Wednesday with partly cloudy conditions reported and only a 25 percent chance of rain before cold temperatures and showers pick back up on Thursday, Friday and the weekend.
The storm was expected to pass through Ventura County and reach Los Angeles County and is expected to bring half an inch to an inch of rainfall to the area, but the likelihood of flooding conditions will be greatly limited though minor flooding could occur locally, NWS said .
Along the coast, high surf and strong rip currents will impact beaches with waves reaching anywhere from five to 10 feet tall. A high surf advisory is in effect for LA beaches through Wednesday night.
Surf will be highest on west and north-facing beaches and will likely peak Tuesday night into Wednesday afternoon according to NWS. The weather agency urged people to stay off racks and jetties, stay back from the water and never turn your back to the water.
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