Light rain fell sporadically in the Southland this morning and more showers were expected on what will be a warm, somewhat muggy day, and National Weather Service forecasters warned there’s a slight chance of thunderstorms.
The NWS set the chance of measurable precipitation at 30 percent in some Los Angeles County communities but 40 percent in others. As of Monday, the chance of precipitation in Orange County was 20 percent but was increased to 40 percent this morning.
While the forecast weather event was expected to have mostly minor impact, forecasters warned that the rain could produce slippery roads, ponding in places, and minor mud and debris flows over foothill slopes previously denuded by wildfires.
They said a low-pressure system that has been developing over the eastern Pacific will approach the region today, drawing moisture from the remnants of Tropical Depression Blanca, which began as a hurricane of moderate strength, then turned into a tropical storm.
“As moisture from … Blanca streams into the area, the threat of showers will increase across the area during the day on Tuesday, with the shower threat peaking in the afternoon,” an NWS statement said.
“In addition, there is the possibility of thunderstorms as atmospheric instability increases.”
“Any thunderstorms that develop will be capable of producing heavy rain, gusty winds and dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning,” it warned. “Minor street flooding will also be possible with any heavy rain.”
Most areas are expected to receive between a tenth and a half-inch of rain though higher volumes will accompany any thunderstorm, according to the NWS, which said the threat of precipitation will end tonight. No snowfall is expected.
Today’s temperature highs will be in the 70s, 80s and 90s — high enough to create some discomfort amid all the humidity, but generally a few degrees lower than Monday.
The NWS forecast highs today of 73 in Newport Beach; 74 at LAX and in San Clemente; 76 in Laguna Beach; 80 in Avalon; 83 on Mount Wilson; 84 in Long Beach, Anaheim, Mission Viejo and Fullerton; 86 in downtown L.A. and Irvine; 87 in Yorba Linda; 89 in San Gabriel; 90 in Pasadena, Burbank, Palmdale and Saugus; 91 in Lancaster and 92 in Woodland Hills. Air quality will be in the moderate range throughout L.A. and Orange County.
