Southern California Weather Update: Thunderstorms and Fire Risk
Unusual storms Sweep Through SoCal
Southern California experienced an unseasonable series of thunderstorms Tuesday,raising concerns about potential fire-starting lightning strikes,especially in areas that have seen limited rainfall. The National Weather Service reported that these storms, while producing notable thunder and lightning, generally brought onyl light rainfall, often a tenth of an inch or less.
Did you know?
Lightning can heat the air around it too as high as 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hotter than the surface of the sun!
Los Angeles Area Impact
In the Los Angeles area, the storms initially gathered around the San Gabriel Mountains before moving into urban areas and traveling southwest across the region and along the coast. Every part of L.A.was within earshot of thunder on Tuesday,
according to National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan kittell.
Dry Lightning and Fire Concerns
The combination of lightning and minimal rainfall created a perilous “dry lightning setup.” Ryan Kittell explained, It is kind of a dry lightning setup where you get the lightning that could start a fire but not the rain that would put it out. Thankfully so far we haven’t seen any reports of any fire. We hope it stays that way.
However, to the north, in Inyo County, a vegetation fire ignited near Big Pine amid the stormy weather. The california Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) reported that by 6 p.m., the fire was 25 acres actively burning with multiple lightning strikes reported in the area.
Lightning’s Danger to Humans and Animals
Beyond the risk of wildfires,lightning poses a direct threat to human and animal health. Almost 100 people are killed every year from being struck by lightning in this country,
Kittell stated. He urged residents to definitely heed nature’s warning call when you hear that thunder and find shelter.
Pro Tip: Lightning Safety
If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Seek shelter immediately in a considerable building or a hard-top vehicle.Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before leaving your shelter.
Flash flood warning and Rainfall Levels
While lighter rainfall levels decreased the risk of debris flows in the Eaton and Palisades fire burn scars, the storm system brought heavier rains farther inland.The weather service issued a flash flood warning for San Bernardino County, where some areas had accumulated up to three-quarters of an inch of rain by 4:30 p.m. In the Los Angeles region, the heaviest rainfall was recorded in higher mountain regions, with Mt. Baldy reporting 0.31 of an inch of rain by 4:30 p.m.
Unusual Weather Patterns
These storms are a rare occurrence for Southern california, which typically experiences the bulk of its thunderstorms in August and September. Kittell explained, It’s really an unusual low-pressure system pulling in this moist, tropical air from Mexico. We just don’t see that kind of system move through our area this time of the year.
Forecast and Outlook
The storms were forecast to continue rolling through Southern California on Tuesday evening before gradually exiting the region around 10 p.m. Wednesday was expected to bring high humidity and a chance of scattered showers. More typical June weather, featuring a marine layer over the coast and moderate temperatures across Los Angeles County, is forecast to return Thursday.
