A Rainy Monday On Tap For Southland As Region Falls Into Drought

LOS ANGELES, CA — A fleeting cold system was expected to arrive in bone-dry Southern California Sunday evening, carrying rain, snow and very gusty winds into Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

The absence of rainfall in January and February pushed the Southland well below the average showers expected for this time of year. While the region is expecting some rain on Monday, it's unlikely to have much impact on the current drought.

Last week's storm brought record rainfall to parts of the Southland, igniting hope to reverse the drought if wet weather continues throughout March. The storm brought at least one inch of rain to the region, according to the National Weather Service. Parts of Los Angeles saw more than 2 inches of rain.

Brief showers were expected to arrive in Los Angeles County by sunrise and in most of the Southland on Monday before more dry weather returns Tuesday, weather officials said. A warming and drying trend was expected to take over and last through the rest of the week.

"Most areas expected to receive between 0.10-0.33 inches of rain with upcoming storm later tonight into Mon. Local amounts up to 0.50 inches in the foothills and coastal slopes," the NWS tweeted Sunday afternoon.

Snow levels were expected to fall 2,500 to 3,000 feet. A winter weather advisory was issued for up to 6 inches of snow at higher elevations and 1-3 inches expected over the Grapevine on Interstage 5 Monday morning, NWS officials said.

"The biggest impacts from this system will be the wind and the snow," weather officials said.

Wind gusts were expected to blow up to 45 mph Sunday and Monday in the high desert, with winds of up to 40 mph expected in the mountains.

A cold weather alert was also in effect through Monday for the mountains and the Antelope Valley, where temperatures will drop into the 20 and 30s at night.

Temperatures were likely to drop next weekend but rainfall was not expected.

Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties are experiencing a moderate drought, according to the United States Drought Monitor.

The City News Service contributed to this report.