For the first time in months, widespread rainfall is drenching the Los Angeles area as a strong band of moisture from a dissipated tropical storm moves north. … Flooding concerns would extend further north into Friday. … But despite the widespread rains Thursday, officials said it likely wouldn’t be enough to pull southwestern California out of “severe drought” conditions, which the region has remained in since March. … It’s also likely not enough to eliminate the threat of another punishing wildfire season. … And forecasters are expecting a La Niña cycle to emerge soon and remain in place through December, a shift in climate patterns that historically swings the state toward drought.

Other California weather and forecast news:

• The Desert Sun (Palm Springs, Calif.): ‘Welcome to Florida,’ Los Angeles NWS warns as flash flood risk lingers over California
• The New York Times: California is so muggy this week that it feels like Florida
• The Watchers: Flooding from post-tropical Mario prompts water rescues, mud and debris flows in San Bernardino County, California