SOUTHWEST — An active stretch of weather is taking shape across Southern California, Arizona, southern Nevada, southern Utah, southwestern Colorado, and New Mexico late this week into Halloween weekend. Multiple disturbances could bring rounds of rain, isolated thunderstorms, gusty winds, and high-elevation snow. Some areas could see 3 to 5 inches of rain, with the strongest round favored Sunday into Monday.
Pacific Storm Brings Weekend Rain to Los Angeles and Southern California Foothills
Shower chances increase across Southern California late this week, with a more substantial round possible over the weekend as a Pacific storm taps into subtropical moisture. Heavier rainfall could favor the foothills and coastal mountain slopes near Los Angeles.
Pockets of 3 to 5 inches are possible in the wettest spots. The timing of the steadiest rain remains uncertain, including how much of it overlaps Halloween evening.
Arizona and Southern Nevada Face Stronger Round Sunday Into Monday
An initial disturbance brings increasing shower chances Friday, with isolated thunderstorms possible in Arizona. Parts of the region could catch a relative break Saturday before a stronger round arrives Sunday into Monday.
Northern Arizona, including Flagstaff and Prescott, could see more widespread rain with that second system. Totals near Las Vegas will depend on how far north the moisture plume reaches.
Renewed Flooding Concern for Southern Utah, Southwestern Colorado, and New Mexico
Rain chances return to southern Utah and southwestern Colorado Friday into the weekend, with the strongest moisture push favored Sunday into Monday. Recently soaked ground raises concern for renewed flooding, especially over areas hit hard by recent storms.
In New Mexico, showers and storms increase across southern areas Thursday before spreading statewide Thursday night into Friday. Another round could follow Friday night into Saturday, with more widespread precipitation possible Sunday into early next week.
High-Elevation Snow Levels Drop Toward 8,000 Feet in Utah by Sunday
Snow levels initially look fairly high, generally above 9,000 feet in northern Arizona and around 10,000 feet in southwestern Colorado and New Mexico. Colder air could lower snow levels toward 8,000 to 8,500 feet in Utah by Sunday into Monday.
The weekend will not be a washout everywhere, as breaks between rounds are possible. Halloween plans and travel should be checked against updated forecasts as timing becomes clearer.
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