Los Angeles Braces for Gusty Santa Ana Winds, Followed by Rain

Warmer temperatures and breezy conditions expected this weekend before potential light showers next week.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:35pm

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A vast, majestic landscape painting in the style of Caspar David Friedrich, with deep perspective and dramatic backlighting capturing the mood of a powerful Santa Ana wind event, with billowing clouds and gusts sweeping across a vast, open expanse.The impending Santa Ana winds will bring a dramatic display of nature's power to the Los Angeles region, as captured in this sweeping, atmospheric landscape.Los Angeles Today

After a couple days of dry and warmer weather, Los Angeles could see gusty Santa Ana winds on Friday, followed by the possibility of light rain on Monday through Wednesday next week. Temperatures are expected to warm up this weekend, reaching the 70s and 80s in some areas, before a cooling trend sets in. No significant impacts are expected from the weather changes.

Why it matters

Santa Ana winds are a common occurrence in the Los Angeles area, particularly during the transition from cooler to warmer weather. While the winds can be strong, forecasters do not expect a high wildfire risk due to the region's relatively moist conditions. The potential for light rain next week could provide some relief after the recent dry spell.

The details

The National Weather Service is forecasting wind gusts of 20 to 40 mph on Friday, with gusts up to 50 mph in higher mountain areas. Temperatures are expected to warm on Friday and Saturday, reaching the 70s in Los Angeles and the low to mid 90s in Indio, where the second weekend of the Coachella music festival is taking place. The winds are not expected to be strong enough to disrupt the festival like they did during the first weekend. Any rain that arrives early next week is likely to be light, with a quarter-inch to a half-inch expected.

  • Gusty Santa Ana winds expected on Friday, April 18, 2026.
  • Potential light rain showers expected Monday, April 21 through Wednesday, April 23, 2026.

The players

Mike Wofford

Meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.

Philip Gonsalves

Meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego.

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What they’re saying

“Although autumn is prime Santa Ana season, it's not unusual for the area to also get the winds in the spring during the transition from cooler to warmer weather.”

— Mike Wofford, Meteorologist

“Conditions will be a bit breezy, with winds gusting to about 20 mph at times, but not strong enough to produce dust storms like those that disrupted the festival's first weekend.”

— Philip Gonsalves, Meteorologist

What’s next

The National Weather Service is expected to issue wind advisories on Friday, April 18 as the Santa Ana winds move into the Los Angeles area.

The takeaway

While the upcoming weather changes in Los Angeles may bring some gusty winds and the potential for light rain, forecasters do not anticipate any significant impacts or disruptions. The conditions are typical for the region during this time of year as it transitions from cooler to warmer weather.