By Reginald Stanley. Posted November 6, 2020, 9:51 PM.

The first significant storm of the 2020-2021 rainy season is set to impact Southern California this weekend as several low pressure systems bring rain and mountain snow to the region through Sunday. Light showers had already become sporadic as of Friday evening.

This weekend's rain follows a very warm and dry October, as well as a hot and otherwise inactive summer. Warm, dry offshore flow at the beginning of November was quickly replaced by cold, muggy weather on Friday, where a deepening marine layer ushered in cool breezes and eventually drizzle late Friday evening. Snow levels were predicted to begin around 6500 feet above sea level Friday evening, but quickly lowering to 5000-5500 feet by Saturday morning. For most inland and coastal valleys, between 1/2 and 1 inch of rainfall are predicted through Sunday night, with slightly higher totals expected in San Diego County. The incoming storm has prompted the National Weather Service to issue Winter Storm Warnings for the mountains and a Flash Flood Watch for inland Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Some flooding is possible near wildfire burn scars, such as the El Dorado and Apple fires. Strong winds are also a prominent feature this weekend.

For many communities, this storm marks the first measurable precipitation of the 2020-21 water year. Other areas received small amounts of rain from isolated thunderstorm events during August, as well as a weak trough at the end of October.