Weather Experts Predict a Dramatic Shift in Southern California Forecast
As unseasonably warm temperatures continue to grace much of Southern California, residents may want to savor the heat while it lasts. Forecasters are warning of a sudden change on the horizon that will bring the region back into the throes of winter.
According to Mike Wofford, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Oxnard, Southern California is in for a rollercoaster ride of weather patterns. While the current warm stretch is expected to linger until Friday, a series of cold, wet storms will sweep in over the weekend, plunging temperatures below average and extending the winter chill well into mid-March.
The Warm Before the Storm
Despite the impending shift, the current warm weather has shattered records across the region. From the Bay Area down to San Diego, temperatures have soared to levels not seen this year. Palmdale and Santa Barbara recently tied or broke daily high records, with highs reaching 80 and 82 degrees, respectively.
Wofford warns that the heatwave is far from over, with Wednesday and Thursday expected to bring the hottest temperatures yet. The warm, dry Santa Ana winds forecast for Thursday will further elevate temperatures, potentially setting new records in parts of the region.
However, along with the rising temperatures comes the risk of strong gusts in areas like the Santa Clarita Valley, Ventura County, and inland regions of Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego. A wind advisory is in place for Thursday, with gusts of up to 55 mph possible. While these winds may pose challenges for high-profile vehicles and power lines, they are not expected to fuel wildfires due to recent rain showers that have dampened the landscape.
A Stormy Outlook
By Friday, a low-pressure system is set to move in, drastically dropping temperatures by up to 20 degrees in some areas. Angelenos basking in the 80s and 90s on Thursday should brace for a cool down to the 60s on Friday, accompanied by a chance of rain. Minor rainfall is expected on Friday night and again on Sunday, with a stronger storm potentially bringing heavier precipitation by the following week.
As Wofford aptly puts it, Southern California is still firmly in the storm track, reminding residents that winter is far from over. So, while the sun may be shining now, it’s best to keep those umbrellas handy and enjoy the warmth while it lasts.
In conclusion, Southern California residents should prepare for a sharp turn in the weather, as the current heatwave gives way to a series of cold, wet storms that will usher in a prolonged winter season. Stay tuned for updates from weather experts as they track the evolving forecast and brace for a significant drop in temperatures and possible rainfall in the coming days and weeks.
