Los Angeles, California, has been grappling with devastating wildfires for over two weeks, leaving thousands of homes, vehicles, and infrastructure destroyed. Finally, there is a forecast of rain in the region. According to the U.S. National Weather Service, rain and, in some areas, snowfall are expected from Saturday through Monday.
While the rain is anticipated to bring relief to the residents, concerns have been raised about potential new challenges that may arise due to the downpour.
Some parts of Los Angeles have not seen rain for the past eight months, leading to extremely dry conditions.
Ariel Cohen, a meteorologist with the Los Angeles office of the National Weather Service, told CNN that the prolonged lack of rain has turned the soil in Los Angeles as hard as cement. As a result, any rain will likely run off immediately. However, if the rain falls gradually and allows the scorched areas to absorb water, it could be beneficial.
On the other hand, sudden heavy rainfall could loosen the soil in hilly areas, leading to landslides and damage to nearby settlements. Additionally, debris from the burned areas could be carried away by the rainwater, posing further risks. Cohen cautioned that such scenarios could exacerbate the situation instead of improving it.