A storm system moving into Southern California could bring rain to Santa Monica on Halloween, with showers expected to peak Saturday evening as trick-or-treaters head out, according to the National Weather Service.
The weather service puts the chance of rain at about 70% for most of the Los Angeles area Saturday. Rain is forecast to continue overnight before tapering off from west to east Sunday morning. By Sunday afternoon, only eastern Los Angeles County is expected to see a chance of showers.
Forecasters cautioned, however, that higher-resolution models show the rain arriving later than expected, which could leave Saturday and Saturday evening drier than predicted. A Thursday morning update noted the storm appeared to be trending drier.
The official forecast calls for a quarter to a half inch of rain across most areas, with up to three-quarters of an inch possible in southeast Los Angeles County. Forecasters said there is a 30% chance the storm delivers 1 to 2 inches south of Point Conception and a 10% to 15% chance it produces only a couple tenths of an inch.
Highs Saturday are expected to reach only the 60s before climbing into the low 70s Sunday as skies clear. Cloudy, cooler weather will continue through Friday, with coastal highs in the upper 60s to mid-70s, 5 to 10 degrees below normal. A stray shower is possible Friday, though little if any rain is expected. A coastal flood advisory remains in effect until 2 p.m. Friday because of very high tides.
City events and street closures
City Manager Oliver Chi said the city will host two family-friendly events Saturday. Joslyn Park will hold a morning of costumes, crafts and activities for children ages 2 to 5 and 6 to 11.
In the evening, the Santa Monica Police Activities League will host its Halloween Spooktacular from 5 to 8 p.m. at the PAL Youth Center, 1401 Olympic Blvd., which staff have been transforming into what Chi called a "Halloween Wonderland."
"It will have a haunted maze that is sure to delight," Chi said.
Chi said the police department and public works staff coordinated several street closures for trick-or-treating. Yale Street will be closed between Washington Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard, and Cedar Street will be closed between 10th and 11th streets. Sections of 24th Street, 21st Street and Pearl Street between Pico Boulevard and Ocean Park Boulevard will also be closed, as will Georgina Avenue at 16th Street.
"I've been told that you will get big chocolate, big candy bars if you head out that way," Chi said of Georgina Avenue.
The Montana Avenue Merchants Association will host a free Halloween Walk from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, with participating businesses offering trick-or-treating, activities and sales. The event runs an hour earlier than the association's Halloween Hop of past years, which ran from 3 to 6 p.m.
Bars throughout the city are offering parties for adults.
The Santa Monica Pier will hold its seventh annual Día de los Muertos celebration this weekend, honoring film star Pedro Infante. Ofrendas will be on view in the Merry-Go-Round building from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and the public is invited to contribute. Sunday's program runs from noon to 5:30 p.m. and includes an Aztec blessing at 1 p.m., ballet folklórico, mariachi and remarks by Mexican Consul General Carlos González Gutiérrez at 4 p.m.
After a six-year hiatus, the Pico Día de los Muertos event will return to Woodlawn Cemetery on Sunday, Nov. 1, with live music, traditional altars, art, food and activities.
Residents should also remember that daylight saving time ends Sunday, when clocks fall back an hour.
"It's going to get dark a little bit earlier," Chi said. "Stay safe as we enter into the fall and winter season."
Safety tips
The Santa Monica Police Department urged drivers to slow down and stay alert in residential neighborhoods and near community events, where children may move unpredictably. Drivers should watch for pedestrians at intersections, crosswalks and between parked vehicles, use headlights as daylight fades and arrange a sober ride home if their celebration includes alcohol.
Police recommended that a responsible adult accompany young children and that older children going out without an adult agree on a route, return time and check-in plan. Trick-or-treaters should use sidewalks, cross at intersections and crosswalks, stick to familiar, well-lit routes, approach only homes with porch lights on and never enter a home or vehicle for treats. Adults should inspect treats and check labels for food allergies.
The department also recommended reflective tape on costumes and treat bags, flashlights or glow sticks, costumes that fit properly and do not drag, masks that do not block vision, and no replica weapons.
For Día de los Muertos, police advised using battery-operated candles where possible, keeping open flames away from decorations and costumes, and keeping walkways clear around ofrendas.
"Look out for one another and help keep our streets and celebrations safe," the department said.