After a series of powerful storms soaked Ventura County over the Christmas and New Year break, residents can finally expect a change in the atmosphere. The heavy rainfall, which added to an already wet start to the rainy season, is moving out to make way for a much drier and potentially windier pattern. Forecasters from the National Weather Service in Oxnard say the transition will begin this week, bringing a mix of cloudy skies and a eventual return to sunshine.
From Record Rain to Santa Ana Winds
The recent storms were statistically impressive, with some areas smashing daily rainfall records. Santa Barbara recorded 4.5 inches on Christmas Eve alone, and downtown Los Angeles saw one of its wettest holiday periods since record keeping began in 1877. While the rain provided a significant boost to the local water table, it has also left the ground dangerously saturated. This saturation increases the risk of trees toppling even during moderate wind events.
Meteorologist Devin Black noted that while mostly cloudy skies persisted through January 6, the forecast is now shifting toward a drier trend. Later this week, gusty Santa Ana winds and warmer temperatures are expected to develop. These offshore winds are common for early January, but the lingering moisture in the soil means that residents should stay alert for falling branches or localized power outages if the gusts become particularly strong.
Minimal Fire Risk but Lingering Geological Hazards
One positive side effect of the record breaking rainfall is that the immediate fire risk in Southern California is currently minimal. The dry, gusty conditions that usually bring Red Flag warnings will be less dangerous for now because the local vegetation is holding plenty of moisture. However, emergency officials warn that the danger has not entirely passed. Landslides, rockfalls, and debris flows remain possible as the heavy, waterlogged soil continues to settle on hillsides.
As the weather flips, the National Weather Service is encouraging everyone to enjoy the dry spell while it lasts. California is still early in its rainy season, and more storms are likely to appear on the horizon before winter is over. For now, the primary focus for county crews is clearing the mud from previous slides and preparing for the incoming winds that will characterize the second week of 2026.