The first rain of the winter will fall on Southern California this weekend, bringing temporary relief to the areas scorched by wildfires — but also the threat of mudslides and flash floods — and the dry spell will likely make a quick return.
Los Angeles and Ventura counties, where wildfires that broke out early this month are still burning, could see up to an inch of rain Saturday into Sunday, and up to 2 inches could fall in the foothills and mountains.
The rain, combined with cooler temperatures and onshore winds from the ocean, will dampen vegetation that has been fueling wildfires, help clear ash and dust from the air and will give firefighters better conditions to contain the blazes, according to meteorologists.
A warning sign near the Bridge Fire burn recovery zone near Mount Baldy, Calif., warned of possible flooding and mudslides. Getty Images
An aerial view of the fire damage caused by the Eaton Fire, which scorched over 14,000 acres, in Altadena, Calif. REUTERSBut fast-falling rain can cause mudslides on the charred earth.
“Intense flames and heat from recent wildfires have weakened and destroyed vegetation that anchors the soil,” explained AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Heather Zehr.
“Rainfall that would normally be absorbed by the soil can quickly runoff of scorched areas.”
The burn scars at greatest risk of landslides are those left from the Palisades and Eaton fires, which were 81% and 95% contained, respectively, as of Saturday afternoon, according to officials.
There hasn’t been a significant storm in the area since the beginning of October.
Southern California is forecast to get its first significant rainfall in months this weekend, which could pose the threat of mudslides and flooding. FOX Weather
“Intense flames and heat from recent wildfires have weakened and destroyed vegetation that anchors the soil,” explained AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Heather Zehr. AFP via Getty ImagesAdding fuel to the fire are flood watches in effect for those areas as well as where the recent Franklin, Hughes and Bridge fires tore through, according to the National Weather Service.
The Franklin and Bridge fires have been fully contained but fast-burning Hughes north of LA is 87% contained, and the Laguna blaze in Ventura County is 90% suppressed.
“While damaging debris flows are not the most likely outcome, there is still a lot of uncertainty with this storm,” the Los Angeles NWS said on X.
“The threat is high enough to prepare for the worst-case scenario.”
LA County is distributing sandbags ahead of the wet weather and preparing burn areas for the potential mud and debris flows.
According to Los Angeles NWS, damaging debris flows are not very likely, but uncertainty still exists. REUTERS
California firefighters battle the Hughes Fire in Castaic on Jan. 22, which scorched over 10,400 acres and was 87% contained as of Saturday. Getty ImagesThe latest fire to break out in the Golden State, “Border 2,” scorched over 6,000 acres so far and prompted evacuations southeast of San Diego, just north of the US-Mexico border. It was only 10% contained as of Saturday morning.
The region is expected to also get a reprieve with up to an inch of rain this weekend.
Gov. Newsom spoke with President Trump upon his arrival on Friday to tour areas devastated by the southern California wildfires. AFP via Getty ImagesBut the relief will be short-lived as the dry spell is expected to return after the weekend along with gusty Santa Ana winds that can stoke the flames and keep the fire risk in SoCal at “critical” levels, according to AccuWeather.
President Trump and first lady Melania visited the wildfire wastelands on Friday, where he scolded LA Mayor Karen Bass for not using her emergency powers and greeted an uninvited Gov. Gavin Newsom, who begged for aid for the state.
The wildfires have killed 28 people and caused $250 billion in damage.
