Dry weather across the Southland will come to an end as two Pacific storm systems are expected to bring rain to the region beginning late Thursday evening.
Light showers could begin late Thursday night, with rain becoming more widespread in Los Angeles and Orange counties before dawn Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
The first storm system is expected to bring a slight chance of lightning to Orange County, while most hourly rainfall rates should remain below a quarter-inch, forecasters said.
The first round of showers is expected to taper after sunrise Friday, but isolated showers could linger through the day.
A second system is forecast to arrive Friday night and bring more rain into early Saturday.
“Any areas that don’t get wet Friday morning should get wet Friday night,” NWS forecasters wrote.
Rainfall totals through Saturday are expected to range from a half-inch to 1 inch in most areas of Los Angeles and Orange counties, forecasters said.
“Peak rain rates will be about the same so still not expecting any significant impacts,” forecasters wrote.
Temperatures will cool sharply Thursday and Friday, reaching near-normal levels by Friday. Sunday is expected to be dry, with highs in the mid-60s to low 70s.
Another storm could arrive Monday or early Tuesday, followed by a possible third system late Wednesday or Thursday. Forecasters said there was a 10% to 20% chance that the later system could produce 1 to 3 inches of rain.
A large west-to-northwest swell also is expected to reach the coast this weekend, creating hazardous surf, dangerous rip currents and strong longshore currents at west-facing Los Angeles County beaches. Beach erosion and shallow flooding are possible near high tide.