California, USA – A broad gray ceiling hangs over East Los Angeles before sunrise, with slick pavement reflecting streetlights and warm pockets of humid air moving slowly through residential streets. Bands of rain press inland from the Pacific, signaling a dynamic start to the week just as Thanksgiving travel ramps up across Southern California.
According to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard, steady rain develops this morning and may strengthen toward midday. Drivers on I-5, I-10, and surface streets should expect reduced visibility and slower conditions as heavier showers form near the coast. Residents beginning early holiday travel should pack umbrellas, delay nonessential trips until late morning, and watch for ponding in low-lying intersections.
According to meteorologists, a stronger system approaches Tuesday, bringing a slight chance of thunderstorms between late morning and mid-afternoon. Models hint at small but noticeable bursts of lightning and brief downpours that may disrupt short-distance travel across East L.A., Pasadena, and Vernon. While temperatures stay mild, the changeable pattern may produce quick shifts from steady rain to sudden gusts.
According to Caltrans, crews will monitor drainage channels across the basin and may deploy additional resources on stretches prone to backup, including the I-710 corridor. Travelers heading for airports or long-distance bus routes should build in substantial buffer time, especially during the Tuesday storm window.
A quieter pattern returns Wednesday, delivering mostly sunny skies and warm November air by afternoon. That calmer setup continues into the weekend, offering excellent weather for last-minute errands, outdoor Thanksgiving preparations, or early Christmas decorating. After all, Southern California patterns can flip quickly, and another weak system may form late in the weekend.
Five-Day Forecast for East L.A., CA:
Mon: 62/54 – Rain likely; slow commutes.
Tue: 58/45 – Slight storms; scattered showers.
Wed: 60/47 – Mostly sunny; breezy late.
Thu: 60/48 – Slight shower chance; mild.
Fri: 64/50 – Partly cloudy; pleasant.
