LOS ANGELES (June 4, 2025) — Southern California faces a convergence of hazardous weather conditions beginning Tuesday afternoon, as a low-pressure system brings the risk of thunderstorms, dry lightning, and dangerous rip currents. The National Weather Service has issued multiple advisories and urged the public to stay alert, particularly in wildfire-prone and coastal areas.
Triple Threat Hits Southern California: What to Expect
- When:
- Tuesday, June 4, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., with risks extending into Wednesday.
- Where:
- San Gabriel Mountains
- Antelope Valley
- Interior mountains of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties
- Los Angeles and Ventura coastal beaches
- What’s Expected:
- Thunderstorms with downburst winds up to 50 mph
- Dry lightning capable of sparking wildfires
- Elevated surf up to 6 feet and dangerous rip currents
What Was Found?
- Thunderstorm Forecast:
- 20–30% chance of isolated to scattered storms.
- Higher elevations may see brief, heavy downpours with rain rates up to 0.75 inches/hour.
- Dry Lightning Conditions:
- Moisture aloft + dry surface air = lightning with little to no rainfall.
- Key wildfire trigger due to lightning strikes on parched terrain.
“There is potential for storm clouds to really not rain at all, which would mean lightning that hits dry ground and can start a fire,” said NWS meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld.
- Fire-Prone Zones Identified:
- Bridge fire burn scar (Angeles National Forest)
- Eaton fire burn scar (Altadena)
- These areas are especially vulnerable to flash floods and debris flows.
Safety Measures and Monitoring
🌩️ For Thunderstorms and Dry Lightning:
- Avoid outdoor activities in foothill or mountainous areas during the storm window.
- Be prepared for sudden wind gusts and power outages.
- Report any signs of smoke or fire immediately.
🌊 For Coastal Conditions:
- Beach Hazard Advisory active through Tuesday afternoon.
- Avoid entering the ocean at Los Angeles, Ventura, and Malibu beaches.
- Rip currents and large waves may sweep people off beaches or capsize small boats.
“Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves can wash people off rocks,” warned the National Weather Service.
🔥 Fire Weather Season Begins:
- Southern California has entered fire weather high-season operations.
- The NWS will now issue fire weather forecasts twice daily.
What’s Next for Los Angeles and Surrounding Regions?
- Vegetation Drying Fast:
- With no major storms since March, fuels are dry and abundant.
- Officials expect an early and potentially intense fire season.
- Public Urged to Prepare:
- Create go bags, plan evacuation routes, and sign up for emergency alerts.
- Take steps to harden homes against wildfire exposure.
“It’s important the public start thinking about what they need to do to prepare,” Schoenfeld emphasized.
