KTLA 5 News Weather Forecast: Rain Expected for Christmas Eve in Southern California

Current Conditions and Marine Layer

• ☀️ The weather is beautiful with mostly clear skies away from the coast, though a marine layer is present.
• 🌫️ Live camera views show haze in Long Beach, with fog expected to increase.
• 🌡️ Temperatures are around 52 degrees in many areas, with clear skies in Marion and Temecula.

Weather System Analysis

• ☁️ An area of low pressure is expected to move south, bringing rain.
• 💨 A large dome of high pressure is breaking down and shifting southeast, allowing a trough to move in.
• 🌊 Northern California, Washington, and Oregon are currently experiencing significant rain from an atmospheric river.

Precipitation Forecast for Southern California

• 🌧️ The leading edge of the trough is expected to impact Southern California, with a possibility of rain by Tuesday evening and into Wednesday (Christmas Eve).
• 💧 Models indicate rain, with darker shades of green signifying precipitation and yellow suggesting moderate to possibly heavy rain by lunchtime on Wednesday.
• ☔ Rain is expected to continue through Wednesday night, with diminishing conditions by Wednesday evening.
• 🌦️ A break is possible on Christmas Day, but damp conditions with sprinkles and scattered showers may persist.

Rainfall Amounts and Snow Levels

• ⛰️ Rainfall totals could reach up to 4 inches west of the mountains and 8 inches in the foothills.
• ❄️ Snow levels will remain above 5,000 feet.
• 💨 Advisory-level winds are expected in the high desert.

Temperature and Outlook by Region

• 📈 High desert temperatures will be in the 70s tomorrow, with lows in the 70s over the weekend into Monday, dropping to 62 on Tuesday and 55 on Wednesday.
• 🏖️ Beach temperatures will be in the low to mid-60s through Monday, with rain arriving as early as Tuesday evening.
• 🍊 Orange County will see highs in the mid-70s tomorrow, upper 60s Saturday and Sunday, and wet conditions by Tuesday.
• ☀️ Riverside and San Bernardino will experience sunshine with highs in the mid-70s on Saturday and Sunday, with rain expected from Tuesday evening through at least Thursday, possibly Friday.
• 🚗 Ventura will be dry tomorrow, ideal for shopping, but umbrellas and boots are recommended for travel, especially if heading inland.