Exciting news for Ventura County! After weeks of dry conditions and strong Santa Ana winds, we’re finally getting some much-needed rain. Get ready, because a storm could hit as early as Sunday afternoon. Meteorologist David Sweet from the National Weather Service in Oxnard predicts a 70% chance of rain by Sunday night. This rainy weather is expected to stick around through Wednesday, with around a quarter-inch to a half-inch of rainfall in local areas.
Looking ahead, there’s a possibility of a stronger storm moving into the area late next week, but it’s too early to predict its impact on local rain totals. However, the jet stream seems to be pushing farther south, hinting at a trend towards a wetter pattern.
The satellite imagery shows a comma-shaped cloud formation associated with the upcoming chances of rain starting Sunday. It’s quite a contrast from the dry start to the rainy season we’ve had so far.
Since October, Ventura County has experienced below-average rainfall, which could mean trouble with dry Santa Ana winds being the only weather event in the area. Without rain, the risk of fires increases as vegetation dries out, making it easier for flames to spread.
But despite the dry spell, there’s hope for a wet winter, especially as the county had a drenching during the last wet season. The remarkable rainfall recharged the groundwater supplies and boosted local reservoirs, thanks to a significant El Niño pattern that showed up this summer.