Southern California Weather Shift: From Record Heat to Marine Layer
Southern California is experiencing a dramatic weather shift, transitioning from a record-breaking heat wave to cooler temperatures and the return of the marine layer. This change brings a welcome respite after a weekend of extreme heat that strained resources and endangered residents.
Temperature Plunge and Coastal Conditions
The National Weather Service forecasts a meaningful temperature drop, with some areas experiencing a decrease of more than 20 degrees by Monday. Coastal regions will see highs hovering in the mid-60s, offering a stark contrast to the previous days’ scorching conditions. Inland valleys, such as the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys, will experience slightly warmer temperatures, with highs around 70 degrees.
The Return of “May Gray”
The marine layer is expected to deepen, bringing low clouds and even drizzle to coastal areas and extending into the San Gabriel Mountains. Joe Sirard, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Oxnard, anticipates the full effect of this weather pattern.
It looks like,especially by Tuesday,we’ll definitely feel the
May grayhas set in. You might have some moist grounds, moist cars when you get up Tuesday morning — and even some drizzle possibly on your morning commute.Joe Sirard, Meteorologist, National Weather Service
Residents should prepare for potentially slick road conditions during the morning commute due to the expected drizzle.
Brief Warm-Up Ahead
While the immediate forecast indicates cooler conditions, a slight warming trend is expected mid-week. However, according to Sirard, another heat wave is not anticipated in the near future. This provides a period of stability and relief for Southern California residents.
Weekend Heat Wave Recap
The cooler weather follows a sudden surge in temperatures over the weekend, which broke records and led to numerous heat-related emergencies. The extreme heat resulted in a significant number of rescues on hiking trails, highlighting the dangers of dehydration and heat exhaustion.
More than two dozen people required rescue due to the heat. Orange County saw at least 15 rescues, while Riverside County reported nine. In Los Angeles, a hiker suffering from heat exhaustion was airlifted from the Hollywood Hills, underscoring the severity of the conditions.
Record-Breaking Temperatures
The rapid temperature increase on Saturday shattered several heat records for this time of year. Downtown Los Angeles reached a record high of 103 degrees, surpassing the previous record of 99 degrees set in 1988, according to the National Weather Service.
Other areas across Southern California also experienced record highs:
- Woodland Hills: 102 degrees
- Burbank: 101 degrees
- Long beach: 95 degrees
