By Reginald Stanley. Posted December 28, 2025, 11:18 AM.

Several storm systems impacted Southern California during the week of Christmas, bringing the first significant rains to the region since mid-November.

The first storm of the sequence delivered abundant precipitation to the region between late December 23rd and Christmas Day, with the majority of rain falling on December 24th. This system strongly favored areas to the north, with large rain totals accumulating in the more northerly locations such as Simi Valley and Pinon Hills, while areas to the south and east like Fallbrook and Hemet ending much drier. As predicted, the region experienced significant southerly winds on December 24th, with many WeatherCurrents locations recording gusts in the 30-40 MPH range that day. Showers largely decreased throughout the region on Christmas day, with many communities observing less than 1/10 inch of rain by the end of the day, with the exception of Northwest Murrieta where 0.68 inches was recorded.

A second trough swept down the state on December 26th, with its remnants lasting through the morning on December 27th. Totals from this second storm generally paled in comparison to the first system, although storm totals were considerably more variable while remaining under one inch throughout the region. Temperatures were colder during this second storm system, featuring lower snow levels (roughly 6,000 feet above sea level versus 8,000 feet during the first storm) and less wind compared to the earlier storm.

Combined storm totals from both storms generally fell between one and two inches, with the notable exception of both Simi Valley and Pinon Hills where storm totals actually exceeded predictions. WeatherCurrents' station in Simi Valley recorded an astonishing 7.43 inches from the storms, while the normally dry Pinon Hills location received 4.69 inches through December 27th. WeatherCurrents' stations in Lake Elsinore and Northwest Murrieta managed to exceed two inches, while the remaining WeatherCurrents stations received between one and two inches. In Temecula Valley's Wine Country, a total of 1.49 inches was reported through December 27th (courtesy of Jim Sappington). In Riverside's Canyon Crest neighborhood 1.10 inches was reported (courtesy of Jim Ness). Warmer, drier weather is in the forecast through Tuesday as Santa Ana Winds return to the region, before another low pressure system brings a chance of rain next week.

Here are the rain totals for the WeatherCurrents network and associates: