Rain Possible, on Christmas, Forecasters Say

A storm swooping in from the Gulf of Alaska may dampen holiday spirits throughout Southern California this weekend--and raises the possibility that the area will experience its first wet Christmas in more than a decade.

“Unfortunately, it looks like there will be rain on Christmas, at least a chance of it,” said Curtis Brack, a meteorologist at WeatherData, which provides forecasts for The Times. “It doesn’t look like a terribly heavy storm. The heaviest rains will come over the mountains.”

Forecasters said Santa Barbara and Ventura counties are expected to be hit by the first wave of the storm beginning Saturday morning. In Los Angeles, the chance of rain over the weekend was put at 30% to 40%, with scattered showers beginning Saturday afternoon and lasting through midday Sunday. Further south, forecasters say the chance of showers drops off in Orange County to 20% to 30%.

Brack said that in an average year there is a one-in-four chance of rain on Christmas Day. The last time it rained on Christmas Day was 1983 when 1.16 inches fell at the Civic Center. The last time it rained on Christmas Eve was 1988, when 0.87 of an inch was measured.

In Los Angeles, the anticipated rain could range from about half an inch along the coast to an inch in the mountains, with snow likely above the 7,000-foot level. The storm is expected to usher in a cold front with temperatures dipping into the 40s in Los Angeles. Temperatures are not expected to drop below freezing except in the mountains.

Another storm is expected to arrive Tuesday, Brack said.

Brack advised motorists during the holiday weekend to “drive safely and watch out for drunk drivers on wet roads.”

During the holiday weekend, the California Highway Patrol will increase staffing to assist motorists and apprehend those driving under the influence of alcohol.

CHP spokesman Glen Dominguez said that anyone driving in the rain should be careful to reduce speed and allow for extra space between cars. In anticipation of a storm, he said, motorists should perform basic maintenance checks--such as inspecting tire treads and windshield wipers.

“Smooth steering, smooth acceleration and smooth braking is the rule,” he said. “Drivers should be cautious not to make abrupt movements, because that is what causes you to lose control.”