KTLA 5 Weather Forecast: Rain Expected Thursday in Southern California

Current Conditions and Immediate Outlook

• ☀️ The current weather in Southern California features mostly clear skies with minimal cloud cover and calm winds.
• 🌡️ Temperatures are currently cool, with readings around 50 degrees in many basins, which is about 10 degrees below average.
• 💨 Winds are generally in the single digits, contributing to a pleasant, cool evening.

Approaching Weather System

• 💧 An area of low pressure is exiting the region, taking current rain with it, leading to a brief ridging pattern.
• 🗓️ By Thursday, a new area of low pressure is expected to move in, bringing clouds and rain.
• 🌀 This system is identified as a "cut-off low," meaning it is detached from the jet stream and likely to linger longer than usual, though not as long as previous systems.

Thursday's Forecast Details

• ☁️ Clouds are predicted to roll in from the north starting midnight Thursday and will spread across the region.
• 🌧️ Widespread rain is expected, particularly in the northwestern viewing areas by Friday morning, moving southeastward.
• ⚡ The system is described as unstable, with potential for heavy rain and thunderstorms, especially closer to the Long Beach and LA Metro areas.
• ❄️ Pink and lavender colors on the forecast indicate very cold air and potential snowfall.

Regional Forecast and Weekend Outlook

• 🏞️ Inland Empire: Partly cloudy Wednesday (62°), cloudy and wet Thursday, drying out by Friday.
• 🏖️ Santa Cruz Valley: Cool and wet Thursday, drying by Friday, with sunny and 72° by Sunday.
• 🌊 LA Coastal Basin: 57° Wednesday, upper 60's by Friday afternoon, with sunny and dry weather expected over the weekend.
• 🏖️ Beaches: Expect wet conditions initially, with drying expected later.