Rain and Thunderstorms Expected in Los Angeles This Weekend

Wet weather and potential for thunderstorms forecast across Southern California

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:58am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dramatic landscape painting in muted tones of grey, blue, and green, with a stormy sky filled with heavy clouds looming over a distant cityscape, conveying the overwhelming power of nature.A brooding, atmospheric scene captures the impending storm system set to bring heavy rain and potential thunderstorms to Los Angeles this weekend.Los Angeles Today

Weather forecasts predict rain and a chance of thunderstorms in Los Angeles and Southern California this weekend, with the wet conditions potentially lingering into Monday. The National Weather Service is warning of the possibility of brief heavy rain, gusty winds, small hail, and even waterspouts or weak tornadoes from any thunderstorms that develop.

Why it matters

Sudden severe weather can disrupt travel, cause power outages, and pose risks to public safety, so advance notice allows residents and officials to prepare. The region has seen a mix of dry and wet weather patterns recently, so this storm system represents a shift back to wetter conditions.

The details

According to the National Weather Service, rain is expected to arrive in Los Angeles after 11 PM on Saturday, with scattered showers anticipated on Sunday afternoon. There is a 15-25% chance of thunderstorms developing, which could bring brief heavy rain, gusty winds, small hail, and even waterspouts or weak tornadoes. The storm system is expected to linger in the area through Monday, with snow possible at higher elevations. Total rainfall through Sunday night is forecast to be between 0.50 and 1.50 inches.

  • Rain expected to arrive in Los Angeles after 11 PM on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • Scattered showers anticipated on Sunday, April 13, 2026 afternoon.
  • 15-25% chance of thunderstorms on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • Storm system expected to linger through Monday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Todd Hall

A meteorologist at the National Weather Service.

National Weather Service Los Angeles

The regional office of the National Weather Service covering the Los Angeles area.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is when the weather gets a little more wild, technically, because we're starting to see some more differential heating on the Earth.”

— Todd Hall, Meteorologist

“Any thunderstorms that develop will likely produce brief heavy rain, gusty outflow winds, small hail and potentially waterspouts or weak, short-lived, tornadoes.”

— National Weather Service Los Angeles

What’s next

The National Weather Service is advising residents to monitor the situation and be prepared to adjust plans as the storm system develops over the weekend.

The takeaway

This storm system represents a shift back to wetter weather patterns in the Los Angeles area, which can disrupt daily life but is also a natural part of the region's climate cycle. Residents should stay informed and take precautions, but not panic, as the National Weather Service is closely tracking the situation.