The L.A. weather crisis of ‘25

As I’m writing this, it’s pouring rain in L.A. And it’s not the cute drizzle that mists the trees and grass, no — this is a torrential downpour, a culmination of an entire week of grey skies and muddy grass. It’s the type of rain that cancels classes and floods front yards and driveways, although it’s still street cleaning day, and you’ll get a ticket if your car’s not on the right side of the road.

It’s been a while since the weather was so downcast here in the City of Angels. Maybe the sky is weeping in awe of Kendrick Lamar’s epic Super Bowl halftime experience (for it was an experience, not just a show). Side note: I can’t lie, it feels great to be in L.A. watching a true city native amassing the largest Super Bowl halftime audience in history, all while dancing on the grave of his former rap rival (former, because Drake was defeated the moment Kendrick released “Meet the Grahams” back in May).

But this downpour is genuinely important in L.A.’s 2025 timeline, none of which has to do with Kendrick (unfortunately).

First, let’s address the elephant in the room: L.A. was literally on fire three weeks ago. $250 billion worth of lost property, 29 people killed, and tens of thousands still displaced. And while I, like many, thought that the rains from the past week would thwart any possibility of more flames, I’ve come to find out that it’s quite the opposite. In fact, burned shrubbery and soil tends to be very water-repellent, meaning that surrounding areas are more susceptible to flash flooding and erosion. On top of that, Los Angeles is already not prepared for intense rainfall. There is limited vegetation in the city itself and rain tends to pool in the concrete pavements and roads.

I should probably mention that I’m also writing this while my socks are soaking wet.

It’s interesting to live through such a volatile time in the city’s weather history. Going from one extreme to the other in a matter of weeks is enough to make your head spin. Times like these make me strangely appreciate the fragility of it all, and how strong my love for Los Angeles is.

I don’t think there’s any amount of fire or water that could force me out of this city (but don’t test me, please).

Some of the flash floods near Alameda St. that I had to traverse through with my AAA tow truck driver after my car failed in East LA.