Southern California is currently in the midst of a scorching heatwave, with temperatures expected to soar to new heights on Monday. Areas ranging from Burbank to Santa Clarita are bracing themselves for what could be the hottest day of the year so far. But fear not, as relief is on the horizon. Meteorologists predict that the sweltering heat will begin to dissipate by Tuesday, with a noticeable dip in temperatures before a cooling trend sweeps across the region come Wednesday.
How hot will it get on Monday, you may ask? Well, downtown Los Angeles is projected to hit 87 degrees, while Burbank is expected to reach a toasty 90 degrees. The San Fernando, San Gabriel, and Santa Clarita valleys are likely to experience even higher temperatures, with Woodland Hills potentially reaching a scorching 95 degrees. Bryan Lewis, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Oxnard, warns that the coast will also be warmer than usual, with temperatures in the high 60s and low 70s.
Could these temperatures shatter records? It’s a possibility. Woodland Hills saw its highest temperature for March 24 back in 1988, reaching 89 degrees. Similarly, Lancaster and Palmdale hit 86 and 84 degrees, respectively, in 1956. Bryan Lewis suggests that these records could be surpassed. However, he notes that downtown Los Angeles may not see record-breaking weather, as the historic peak temperature for March 24 stands at 94 degrees.
But will the heatwave stick around? Not for long. While temperatures will remain warm across Southern California on Tuesday, they are expected to drop slightly. By Wednesday, a significant cool-down will bring relief to the region. For example, Woodland Hills will see temperatures plummet from 95 degrees on Monday to 90 degrees on Tuesday, eventually settling at a comfortable 75 degrees by Wednesday.
Is this heatwave a sign of an early onset of summer? Not quite. Bryan Lewis reassures us that this spike in temperatures is merely a temporary phenomenon. For those who enjoy the warmth, it’s a welcome change for a few days. But for those who prefer cooler weather, rest assured that a reprieve is on the way. According to Lewis, there are indications that rain may make an appearance in early April, offering hope for a break from the dry spell.
Despite recent rainfalls, Southern California is still grappling with severe to extreme drought conditions. The U.S. Drought Monitor’s latest report reveals that precipitation levels remain well below average for the region. While Northern California has seen above-average precipitation and snowpack, the Southern Sierra is lagging behind at only 87% of the average for this time of year. The lack of significant improvement in water supply due to snowpack deficits is a cause for concern, as highlighted in the latest U.S. Drought Monitor summary.
Looking ahead, predictions suggest that April won’t bring much relief in terms of precipitation for Southern California. The forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center indicates below-average precipitation and slightly higher temperatures for the region. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing drought, there is hope on the horizon as communities continue to monitor and manage water resources for the future.
