Christmas Storm Brings Snow to San Jacinto Mountains, Rain to the Valley

A Christmas storm is officially making its presence felt across Southern California, with dramatic early signs appearing high above the valley floor in the San Jacinto Mountains. Time-lapse video from the mountain tram cam earlier today shows the very beginning of the system, as clouds thickened and snowfall began to take shape at higher elevations. This marks the opening phase of a winter storm that is expected to influence the region throughout the holiday period.

While the mountains are seeing the return of wintry conditions, the story is different down below. On the valley floor, temperatures remain too warm for snow, meaning residents should not expect a white Christmas this year. Instead, the storm will deliver widespread rainfall stretching across roughly three days, creating a wet and unsettled holiday stretch.

The prolonged rain is expected to bring stormy conditions, impacting travel plans, outdoor celebrations, and holiday gatherings. Roads may become slick, and periods of heavier rainfall could lead to localized flooding in low-lying areas. Meanwhile, the snow accumulating in the mountains may improve seasonal totals and create picturesque scenes at higher elevations.

Overall, this Christmas storm highlights the sharp contrast between mountain and valley weather, offering snowfall above and soaking rain below — a holiday marked more by umbrellas than snowmen for most valley residents.