Climate Impact Report – 1/27

Key Facts Of The Day 1/27

Storms And Flooding

• After weeks of dry weather that contributed to the spread of wildfires in Los Angeles County, Southern California received much-needed rainfall. 
  • Since October 1, 2024, Los Angeles has experienced only 0.03 inches of rain, five inches below the area’s average. 
  • Los Angeles County was expected to receive 1.5 to 2 inches of rainfall by Monday. 
  • On Sunday, the Los Angeles International Airport reported 0.34 inches of rain.
  • Flood watches throughout Southern California were expected to remain in effect until Monday afternoon. 
• Rainfall in Southern California was expected to increase the risk of toxic ash runoff in areas that were impacted by the Los Angeles-area wildfires.  
• The National Weather Service issued warnings that rainfall in the Los Angeles area could trigger flash flooding, debris flows, mudflows, and mudslides. 
  • On Sunday, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that a small debris flow within the Palisades Fire burn area was moving towards the sea. 
• As of Monday, wind alerts were in effect through Monday in areas from Illinois through New York. Wing gusts were expected to reach up to 40 to 60 mph. 
• This week, “whiteout conditions” are expected to bring visibility-reducing snow showers and strong winds that could bring hazardous travel conditions across the Great Lakes and Northeast. 

Wildfires

• In California, 301 fires have burned 47,403 acres as of Monday. 
  • As of Monday, the Palisades Fire has burned 23,448 acres and is 94% contained. 
  • As of Monday, the Eaton Fire has burned 14,021 acres and is 98% contained.
  • As of Monday, the Hughes Fire has burned 10,425 acres and is 95% contained.
  • As of Friday, the Boulder 2 Fire burned 6,625 acres and is 43% contained. 
  • At least 28 people have died due to the California wildfires. 
  • Southern California received much-needed rainfall over the weekend, aiding firefighters, but officials warned of the threat of toxic ash runoff.