Next Chance for Precipitation in the Southwest

news image
Special Stories
1 Mar 2021 11:52 AM
The southwestern United States has been relatively dry, rain-free, and windy which has contributed to fire weather concern and drought-conditions. BUT, there may be a shot for some relief on the way as we track a mid-week upper level low. Let's take a look at the forecast.

Set-Up

Forecast

Starting Wednesday late morning/midday, the surface low develops off the Pacific and heads towards Southern California. Los Angeles through San Diego start to see some heavier rain as we head into the afternoon and even some of the higher elevations may see some snow. Some of the wrap around moisture even makes it's way into Arizona where we could see a few isolated showers too. As the low moves onshore we continue to pump moisture into the Four Corners  region. By Thursday night, more the moisture heads towards the Utah and Colorado areas where the higher elevations may see snow and lower valleys see rain. Most of the rain for SoCal is done by late afternoon. Overnight, temperatures drop and we could see more snowfall filling into the Rockies of Colorado and Wyoming and even into Utah. By Thursday daybreak the moisture tapers off and so do our rain and snow chances.

Forecast Accumulation

Wednesday

Southern California could see up to 0.5-1" in some spots which is always well-received. The mountains could see some higher accumulations in the purples up to half a foot + in some spots!

Thursday

Extended Outlook

All Weather News
More
Record Warmth Out West Continues

Record Warmth Out West Continues

Unseasonably warm temperatures are continuing

18 Dec 2025 1:00 PM
ATMOSPHERIC RIVER: Winds Topping 100 MPH In the Northwest

ATMOSPHERIC RIVER: Winds Topping 100 MPH In the Northwest

NORTHWEST - A state of emergency was declared

18 Dec 2025 12:00 PM
Messy System Moving into the Midwest

Messy System Moving into the Midwest

NORTHERN PLAINS - A low-pressure system origi

18 Dec 2025 11:45 AM
Returning Back to the Freezer This Week

Returning Back to the Freezer This Week

It's been a cold start to the week for millio

18 Dec 2025 11:40 AM
End of Year Travel Expected to Break Records

End of Year Travel Expected to Break Records

As 2025 comes to an end, many people are expe

18 Dec 2025 7:45 AM
Heavy Rain & Snow Moves into California Next Week

Heavy Rain & Snow Moves into California Next Week

As the northwest eagerly awaits some dry time

18 Dec 2025 7:40 AM
West Facing Record Low Snow Levels

West Facing Record Low Snow Levels

Does it feel like deja vu? This persistent pa

18 Dec 2025 1:25 AM