California—California is getting a brief pause from stormy weather, but the break will not last long. After several days of dry, sunny, and occasionally windy conditions, forecasters say rain is set to return just in time for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day celebrations, potentially affecting travel plans and outdoor events across much of the state.
The dry stretch has been welcome. December brought an intense series of storms that dumped one to three months’ worth of rain in just a matter of days in some locations. Rivers, streams, and reservoirs swelled quickly, and many communities dealt with flooding, debris flows, and travel disruptions. The current lull, expected to hold through Tuesday in most areas, has allowed waterways to recede and saturated ground to slowly recover.
However, meteorologists say California’s dry pattern is already beginning to break down as a new storm system organizes to the south.
A Different Kind of Storm System
Unlike the recent storms that surged in from the north and west, the upcoming system is expected to draw moisture from the subtropical Pacific. This shift in storm track matters because it changes both rainfall intensity and distribution.
Forecasters say the incoming system does not appear extreme overall, but it still carries enough moisture to create localized issues. Widespread flooding is not expected at this time, yet certain areas remain vulnerable after weeks of heavy rain.
South- and west-facing slopes of the Transverse Ranges in Southern California are among the locations to watch closely. Even moderate rainfall in these areas can renew the risk of mudslides or minor flash flooding, especially where soil remains saturated or burn scars are present.
Elsewhere, most rivers and streams should be able to handle the additional rain. Still, ponding on roads and highways is likely in spots with poor drainage, particularly during heavier bursts of showers.
New Year’s Eve and Travel Impacts
Timing is the biggest concern. Showers are expected to spread into Southern and Central California during the afternoon and early nighttime hours on New Year’s Eve. Northern California, along with parts of Nevada and Arizona, may see rain arrive later Wednesday night into Thursday.
For those planning to ring in the New Year outdoors, conditions could be damp and chilly. Fireworks shows, street celebrations, and late-night travel may all be affected by intermittent rain and slick roadways. Drivers are urged to slow down, increase following distances, and plan extra time, especially during evening hours when visibility may drop.
Air travel could also see minor delays if showers become widespread near major hubs, though no major disruptions are expected at this point.
Rose Parade and New Year’s Day Weather
Attention is also turning to New Year’s Day traditions, including the Rose Parade in Pasadena. Forecast models suggest rain showers are possible during the parade window, something that has become increasingly rare in recent decades.
Temperatures are expected to remain cool, with RealFeel values in the 50s during the morning hours. Parade-goers may want to prepare with waterproof footwear, rain ponchos, and warm layers. Umbrellas are typically discouraged along the parade route, making rain gear especially important.
Conditions may improve slightly by the afternoon, though lingering showers could still pop up during outdoor events and football games later in the day.
Read Also: Warm Weather and Breezy Skies Ahead for Phoenix This New Year’s Week
Snow Levels and Mountain Travel
In the mountains, snow levels will initially stay above most Southern California passes, limiting early snow impacts there. In the Sierra Nevada, freezing levels are expected to rise as the storm progresses from Wednesday night into early Friday.
Some slushy conditions could develop at higher elevations, including Donner Pass, particularly during the storm’s onset. Heavier snow is more likely as colder air moves in later, potentially setting the stage for more significant snowfall over the Sierra by the first weekend of 2026.
Travelers heading through mountain corridors should monitor forecasts closely, as conditions can change quickly with shifting temperatures.
Looking Toward the First Weekend of 2026
The weather story does not end with New Year’s Day. Forecast guidance suggests the main body of the Pacific storm could swing toward the California coast from Friday into Saturday. If that happens, freezing levels may drop enough for snow to fall more steadily at higher elevations, while rain could become more widespread at lower elevations.
Whether the weekend brings scattered showers or another round of heavier rainfall will depend on the storm’s exact track and speed. Forecasters emphasize that confidence decreases several days out, but the overall signal points toward an active pattern continuing into early January.
Staying Prepared
After an intense December, Californians are being reminded that even modest storms can create outsized impacts when ground conditions are already stressed. Staying weather-aware, checking local forecasts, and planning flexible travel schedules will be key as the New Year begins.
While the upcoming storm does not appear as powerful as recent systems, it serves as another reminder that winter is far from over — and that 2026 may begin on a wet note for much of the state.
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