Southern California Enjoys Warm Upper 70s and 80s Through Veterans Day Week Before a Long-Awaited Pattern Change Could Bring Rain and Cooler Temperatures by Next Weekend
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — Southern California will keep enjoying pleasant, warmer-than-normal weather through at least Thursday, November 12, 2026, but a long-expected pattern change could bring cooler temperatures and rain chances by next weekend.
High Pressure Stays in Control Through Thursday
High pressure will continue to dominate the region’s weather through at least Thursday, bringing:
- Partly cloudy skies each day
- Highs 5 to 10 degrees above normal
- Temperatures in the upper 70s and 80s for most areas
Some slight cooling is expected by midweek as the high pressure begins to weaken.
Veterans Day Looks Warm and Mostly Dry
Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, is expected to fall within this warm, mostly dry stretch, making for good weather for parades, ceremonies and outdoor events across Los Angeles, San Diego and the rest of Southern California.
Forecast Timeline
| Time | Expected Conditions |
|---|---|
| Through Thursday, Nov. 12 | Partly cloudy, highs in the upper 70s and 80s |
| Midweek | Slight cooling as high pressure weakens |
| Late Saturday into Sunday, Nov. 14 to 15 | Cooler, with chances of rain |
| After November 15 | Possibly more significant rain |
| Next week | Highs drop below normal |
Computers Disagree on the Coming Pattern Change
Forecasters say there is a lot of disagreement among computer models about the timing and strength of the pattern change late next week. Still, most show:
- Cooling temperatures
- At least some rain chances by late Saturday into Sunday
- Possibly better chances of more significant rain after November 15
One Forecast Shows Rain Targeting the Coast and Mountains
One forecast for 6 a.m. Monday, November 16, shows six-hour rainfall focused along the Southern California coast and mountains:
| Area | Rain Intensity in This Forecast |
|---|---|
| Santa Barbara to Los Angeles and Long Beach | Heaviest bursts, locally up to about 1 inch |
| Offshore near the Santa Barbara Channel | Moderate rain |
| San Luis Obispo area | Moderate rain |
| Inland deserts near Ridgecrest and Indio | Light rain |
| San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California | Light amounts |
This is just one model, and amounts could change significantly.
Temperatures Fall Below Normal
Once the pattern shifts, highs are expected to drop below normal, a big change from the summer-like warmth Southern California has enjoyed recently, including a recent Santa Ana wind event that pushed some areas close to 90 degrees.
El Niño’s Role This Winter
A strong El Niño is in place this season, which often favors a wetter winter for Southern California. Forecasters will be watching closely to see if next weekend’s system marks the start of a more active storm pattern.
How to Prepare for a Possible Rainy Weekend
- Clean gutters and storm drains before the rain
- Check windshield wipers and tires
- Be cautious near recent burn scars if heavy rain develops
- Watch forecast updates through next week
Outlook: Warm Now, Wetter Later
Southern Californians can enjoy the warmth for now, but forecasters expect to have a clearer picture of the pattern change and potential rainfall as next week goes on.
Stay with Bchssreport.com for the latest updates on this story.
About The Author
