These Cities Should Expect Intense Rain in Next 72 Hours

A powerful atmospheric river is poised to soak the West Coast this week, funneling deep Pacific moisture into California, Oregon, and Washington. Meteorologists expect several days of persistent, at times intense rainfall as the plume comes ashore, with many communities likely to see more than an inch of rain and some coastal and foothill areas on track for three to four inches within a 72-hour window.

Although the most extreme rainfall totals are expected along the immediate coast and in the windward slopes of the Coast Range and Sierra Nevada, inland cities – many with a history of flooding – are also forecast to pick up one to two inches of rain through the end of the week. A closer look at the data reveals the cities that will get the most rain in the next 72 hours.

To determine the cities that will get the most rain in the next 72 hours, Climate Crisis 247 reviewed precipitation forecast data from the NOAA’s National Digital Forecast Database. Cities were ranked based on forecast cumulative rainfall for November 13 to 15, 2025. Only cities with at least 80,000 residents were considered.

10. Santa Clarita, CA

Santa Clarita is in line for 3.25 inches of rain as the atmospheric river sweeps into Southern California, one of the highest totals in the Los Angeles region. The city sits in the South Coast Drainage climate division and the coastal sage and chaparral ecoregion, areas susceptible to runoff during prolonged storms.

9. Ventura, CA

Ventura is forecast to receive roughly 3.29 inches of rain this week as the atmospheric river makes landfall along the Central and Southern California coast. Its coastal location and chaparral-dominated landscape increase the risk of localized flooding and debris flows. Marine layer enhancement may keep temperatures on the cooler side throughout the event.

8. Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles is expected to see just over 3.32 inches of rain during the peak of the atmospheric river, marking one of the wettest stretches of the season. The city’s dense urban footprint and position within the South Coast Drainage climate division heighten concerns for street flooding and stormwater surges.

7. Thousand Oaks, CA

Thousand Oaks is projected to receive about 3.33 inches of rainfall as deep tropical moisture is funneled into Ventura County. The surrounding coastal sage and chaparral landscape may experience elevated runoff and minor landslide risks. Temperatures are expected to run below seasonal norms under persistent cloud cover.

6. Whittier, CA

Whittier is expected to pick up approximately 3.37 inches of rain during the atmospheric river’s strongest phase. With its position in the South Coast Drainage division and proximity to foothill terrain, the city faces heightened risks of rapid runoff. Temperatures will remain cool as widespread cloud cover dominates.

5. Burbank, CA

Burbank will likely see around 3.38 inches of rain as the atmospheric river channels moisture into the Los Angeles Basin. Its location near the Verdugo Mountains and along I-5 raises the likelihood of travel issues and fast-moving runoff. Cooler-than-average temperatures are expected throughout the event.

4. Simi Valley, CA

Simi Valley is forecast to receive roughly 3.57 inches of rainfall – one of the higher totals in Ventura County. Its surrounding foothills and sage scrub environment amplify the potential for debris flows during intense downpours. Temperatures will dip slightly as the storm lingers overhead.

3. Glendale, CA

Glendale is expected to pick up more than 3.61 inches of rain as the atmospheric river pushes moisture deep into the region. Its position near the San Gabriel Mountains brings elevated runoff potential. Temperatures are forecast to stay on the cooler side.

2. Pasadena, CA

Pasadena is forecast to receive 3.82 inches of rain – among the highest totals in Los Angeles County. The city’s proximity to the San Gabriel foothills makes it particularly susceptible to debris flows and fast-moving stormwater. Temperatures will remain cool as the atmospheric river maintains steady precipitation.

1. Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara tops the list with a forecast of 4.43 inches of rain as the atmospheric river comes ashore. Its coastal and mountainous terrain puts the region at risk for flooding, mudslides, and debris flows during prolonged heavy rain. The combination of saturated soils and cooler temperatures could exacerbate impacts across the metropolitan area.