Friday, October 23, 2026

Quiet Friday Ahead for Southland as Weak Santa Ana Winds Develop

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Quiet weather is expected to return to the Southland Friday following two days of heavy rain and thunderstorms, with a weak Santa Ana wind pattern developing over the weekend and bringing warmer, drier conditions into next week.

The National Weather Service said the storm system responsible for widespread showers, thunderstorms and flooding concerns Wednesday and Thursday was moving east, allowing dry weather to return Friday.

Temperatures are expected to climb to near or slightly above normal levels through Sunday, with light offshore winds developing in the mountains and some valleys.

Forecasters said the Santa Ana winds should generally remain below advisory levels, and temperatures are not expected to reach the unusually warm levels recorded last week.

The improving weather follows a turbulent Thursday morning, when strong thunderstorms swept across Southern California, prompting numerous flood advisories, special weather statements, severe thunderstorm warnings and flash flood warnings.

A flash flood warning remained in effect for eastern Los Angeles County into Thursday afternoon, while flood watches covered portions of the Malibu coast and Santa Monica Mountains.

Weather officials also investigated a possible tornado at the San Clemente Golf Course in Orange County after reports of extensive tree damage. The National Weather Service’s San Diego office sent a survey team to determine whether a tornado had touched down.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued an ocean water quality rain advisory through at least 3 p.m. Saturday, urging residents to avoid contact with ocean water near storm drains, creeks and rivers because of possible contamination from runoff.

The weak Santa Ana pattern is expected to continue into early next week, maintaining dry conditions and temperatures near normal, according to the weather service.

Onshore winds are expected to return around the middle of next week, bringing temperatures back toward seasonal levels.

Forecasters said some weather models suggest another chance of rain shortly after Halloween, although confidence in that longer-range outlook remains limited.