Just a year ago, the LA area was plagued by a record drought in 2024, causing wildfires to spread uncontrollably and leaving people anxious, but now, as we enter early 2026, the situation is the complete opposite. It has already been a sufficiently rainy winter, and this weekend, another powerful storm is approaching, raising warnings for flooding and landslides.

According to the National Weather Service, this winter has far exceeded the average precipitation levels. Mike Warford, a meteorologist at the Oxnard National Weather Service, stated, "This season is quite unusual. The rainfall is well above normal levels." In fact, some areas are nearing their seasonal average rainfall before winter even ends.

The incoming low-pressure system is likely to bring heavy rain along with strong winds, as well as risks of flooding and landslides, particularly in areas affected by wildfires. A cold front moving down from the northwest is expected to reach the Los Angeles area by Saturday, bringing rain and high-elevation snow through Sunday. While the LA area may not experience the large-scale flooding seen during the last storm, the Central Coast region is expected to receive more rainfall.

Ironically, the most reassuring aspect of this heavy rain is the reduced risk of wildfires. This rain, arriving as LA marks the one-year anniversary of the Palisades and Eaton fires, significantly lowers the chances of major wildfires, at least in the short term.

David Acuña, a battalion chief with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, stated, "Thanks to the recent rains, the likelihood of major wildfires occurring in the coming weeks is very low." However, he added, "We cannot be complacent, as dry weather can return quickly, causing green and brown grasses to dry out in no time."

This winter, California has seen steady rain every month since the wet season began on October 1. Particularly, the powerful storms during the Christmas and New Year holidays shattered rainfall records, and thanks to the last rain in 2025, California has nearly escaped drought conditions. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, this achievement comes before the traditionally wettest months of January and February.

The storm on New Year's Day was the first to bring rain to the Pasadena Rose Parade since 2006, while simultaneously breaking numerous daily rainfall records. Oxnard recorded 1.09 inches, surpassing the 2006 record of 0.83 inches, and Sandburg saw 1.25 inches, more than doubling the previous record of 0.56 inches. Hollywood Burbank Airport also recorded 1.32 inches, completely overwhelming the 0.35 inches recorded in 2006.

California, which once suffered from drought and wildfires, now faces the ironic situation of having to battle water. Nature always seems to oscillate between extremes, presenting us with challenges. The rain this winter is undoubtedly a blessing, but it also brings new risks.

It seems that California is shifting from worrying about fire to worrying about flooding.