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Storm heading for SoCal just in time for Christmas week
Rain is expected to return to Los Angeles next week.
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Robert Gauthier
/
Getty Images
)
Topline:
An atmospheric river is expected to hit Southern California next week, bringing several inches of rain to the region — just in time for Christmas.
Why it matters: The moderate to strong storm could dump 2 to 4 inches of rain on L.A., Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, while the mountains and foothills could see double that amount.
Why now: The storm is expected to peak Tuesday evening into Christmas Eve, according to the National Weather Service, lingering into Thursday and Christmas Day.
The details: Bryan Lewis, a meteorologist with the NWS Oxnard office, said forecasters also are expecting gusty winds across the region, along with a chance of thunderstorms.
Confidence is high in a return of rain to Southwest California next week with rainfall likely peaking Christmas Eve thru Christmas Day (Dec 24-25). While the most likely outcomes are shown in the graphic, there is still some uncertainty with the details. Stay tuned. #LARain #CAwx pic.twitter.com/MudoabhNm4
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) December 17, 2025
What's next: There’s also a growing potential for moderate to heavy showers continuing into next weekend, although Lewis said the details and timing could change as the storm approaches.
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