Los Angeles has experienced its wettest November on record, with Los Angeles rainfall totals shattering previous benchmarks as a series of powerful storms saturated the region throughout the past week. Downtown Los Angeles has surpassed its previous November rainfall record, with forecasters indicating more precipitation is on the way, solidifying this event as significant current news. The consistent downpours have significantly boosted Los Angeles rainfall accumulation for the season.
Record Los Angeles Rainfall Eclipsed
As of Sunday morning, November 16, 2025, downtown Los Angeles recorded 2.57 inches of rain for the month, breaking the prior November record of 2.43 inches set in 1985. Preliminary data also indicates a cumulative rainfall of 2.66 inches for November 2025 by November 16, marking it as the wettest November in 40 years. This astonishing amount far exceeds the typical November average for Los Angeles rainfall, which hovers around 0.82 to 1.23 inches for the city. The current overall rain season, beginning July 2025, is also tracking as the wettest through November in 21 years, showcasing exceptional Los Angeles rainfall.
The Atmospheric River’s Grip on Los Angeles Rainfall
The record-breaking deluge was primarily driven by an intense atmospheric river, a phenomenon described as “rivers in the sky” that transport vast amounts of moisture. This powerful system brought widespread and heavy downpours across Southern California over the weekend of November 15-16, 2025. While downtown Los Angeles reached historic precipitation levels, other areas also saw substantial rainfall. For instance, Mount Baldy received 5.65 inches, Agoura Hills 4.46 inches, and Duarte 4.51 inches within a 48-hour period ending Sunday morning. Further north, San Marcos Pass reported an exceptional 8.93 inches, contributing to significant Southern California storms.
The intensity of the storm system was notable, with peak rainfall rates reaching between 0.5 to 0.75 inches per hour in some locations. This significant weather event quickly became trending news across local and national platforms due to its severity and widespread impact on Los Angeles rainfall.
Immediate Impacts and Safety Concerns from Los Angeles Rainfall
A flood advisory was in effect for the Los Angeles region through Sunday afternoon, November 16, 2025, warning of urban flooding, pooling water in low-lying areas, and potential overflows of small streams. A significant concern during such heavy rainfall events is the increased risk of mudslides and debris flows, particularly in areas previously affected by wildfires earlier in the year, such as the Eaton and Palisades burn scars. The November record rain has brought these risks to the forefront.
Fortunately, by Sunday evening, Los Angeles County officials lifted evacuation orders for affected areas. However, residents were strongly advised to remain alert, drive cautiously, and be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions. While treacherous driving conditions, flooded roadways, and rockslides were reported, there were no immediate reports of major property damage in critically vulnerable burn-scarred neighborhoods, despite the high Los Angeles rainfall.
A Wetter Week Ahead for Los Angeles
The weekend’s drenching is not expected to be the end of the precipitation. The forecast indicates a continuation of wet weather into the upcoming week, with additional storm systems poised to move into Southern California. The first of these systems was predicted to bring light rain from Monday through Tuesday, November 17-18, potentially adding up to another inch of rainfall. A second, though less certain, storm is anticipated later in the week. This persistent pattern of rain is a stark contrast to the dry conditions Southern California often experiences during the fall season, and adds to the remarkable Los Angeles rainfall figures.
Historical Perspective and Water Resources: The Impact of November Record Rain
This exceptionally wet November arrives at a critical time, offering much-needed relief from dry conditions and contributing to the replenishment of the state’s water supplies. While the extended dry periods are a perennial concern, this current bout of heavy rain highlights the variability of California’s climate. The total rainfall from this single November event could account for as much as one-fifth of Los Angeles’s annual average rainfall, underscoring its significance to the Los Angeles rainfall totals. This year’s rainfall season is particularly noteworthy, marking a strong start after previous dry years and setting a positive tone for water conservation efforts heading into the winter months, a welcome change from the typical LA weather news.
The ongoing weather pattern continues to be a primary focus for current news outlets, with meteorologists closely monitoring the atmospheric rivers and their potential impacts across the Los Angeles region. As the month concludes, this November will undoubtedly be remembered as a historic period of rainfall for Los Angeles, with the November record rain becoming a defining characteristic.
