As the clock ticks toward 2026, it looks like Downtown Los Angeles will be trading fireworks for umbrellas. The latest National Weather Service forecasts indicate a wet transition into the new year, with rain expected to move into the Southland by Wednesday evening.
The New Year’s Eve Forecast
Photo / Pattern Bar
New Year’s Eve in DTLA will see a high of 59°F during the day, dropping to a low of 57°F overnight. While the chance of rain stands at roughly 45% during the afternoon, those odds jump significantly after sunset. By the time the midnight countdown begins, there is a 75% to 80% chance of rain across the central city. Winds are expected to remain relatively calm at around 5 mph, coming from the northeast, but the high humidity—hovering around 79%—will make the evening feel particularly damp and chilly.
Unlike the intense storms that hit Southern California over the Christmas holiday, this system is expected to bring light to moderate rainfall rather than a major flooding event. However, after the record-breaking rainfall earlier this month, the ground remains saturated, leading to continued warnings about potential mudslides in the surrounding foothills.
Impact on DTLA Events
Photo/ David Minkin
The wet weather is set to coincide with some of the city’s largest gatherings. Gloria Molina Grand Park’s NYELA, the West Coast’s largest free celebration, is still scheduled to host its massive 3D countdown projection on City Hall. Organizers typically allow umbrellas smaller than 12 inches, so attendees should plan accordingly and dress in layers especially for rooftop NYE events at Elevate Lounge and Broken Shaker, Florentine DTLA, UCA DTLA and Spire 73.
Other major DTLA events, such as the $400 ticketed Countdown NYE at the L.A. Convention Center, free RSVP entree at Pattern Bar, Magic of David Minkin at the Biltmore, Crimson Covenant’s Monsters Ball at Clifton’s, Jeremy Sole’s, DEEP FRIQUE, and highly anticipated Minimal Efforts two day NYE Celebration at Union Station, offer indoor or covered alternatives for those looking to stay dry.
Commuting Through the Storm
Navigating the Historic Core will require extra patience as the rain is expected to create slick conditions on major thoroughfares, like the parade of bars of the Spring Street Strip showcasing Vibe LA’s NYE at Stowaway, Kiso’s Baby Boi NYE, and Precincts NYE Bash for $10 on Broadway.
With the ground already saturated from previous storms, urban ponding is a high risk, and commuters should expect significant delays on the 110 and 10 freeways during the peak celebration hours.
To help residents avoid these hazardous driving conditions, LA Metro is offering free rides on all buses and trains from 4:00 AM on December 31 through 3:00 AM on January 1. This includes 24-hour service on the A, B, D, and E Lines, providing a safe and dry alternative to navigating flooded streets or dealing with holiday parking.
Looking Ahead to New Year’s Day
The rain is expected to intensify on Thursday, January 1. Forecasters are predicting a 98% chance of rain for New Year’s Day, which could significantly impact those traveling through the city or heading to local festivities should expect the total rainfall for this mid-week system is expected to reach between 1 to 3 inches in the valleys and coastal areas.
