After weeks of relentless wildfires, Southern California finally saw some much-needed rain, offering a bit of relief to fire-ravaged neighborhoods in Los Angeles County. But as the rain clouds drift east, many are left wondering: How long will this breather last?
The answer? Maybe a week.
While the weekend showers helped firefighters gain more control over the destructive Palisades, Eaton, and Hughes fires, it wasn’t quite enough to erase the region’s severe drought. In some areas, rainfall totals reached a couple of inches—Santa Barbara County saw 2.23 inches—but most places in Los Angeles County only received about an inch. Ventura County had even less.
“We need several rainstorms to really make a difference,” said meteorologist Alex DaSilva. “This rain helped for now, but in a week, things will dry out again.”
The next round of rain might not come until early February, which raises concerns about fire danger returning. Experts warn that even a small spark—a cigarette butt or an unattended campfire—could reignite the flames in these dry conditions.
The good news? The powerful Santa Ana winds, which fanned the flames of January’s devastating wildfires, aren’t expected for at least the next 10 days. Without those gusts, the immediate risk of wildfires is lower.
Earlier this month, the combination of drought, strong winds, and human activity created what experts called a “perfect storm” for wildfires. The January blazes, which typically don’t occur this late in fire season, were a stark reminder of how unpredictable conditions have become.
This year’s weather has been influenced by a La Niña-like pattern, which has kept storms away from Southern California. While rain is expected in Northern California soon, there’s little sign it will reach the southern part of the state. Until it does, Southern Californians remain on high alert, hoping the rains come back before the winds do.
