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As the wild weather rollercoaster continues to spin through Los Angeles County, residents are now facing a new threat in the form of plummeting overnight temperatures, prompting a warning about the risk of hypothermia from the National Weather Service. After enduring weeks of extreme heat, gusty winds, sudden rainfall, and even small mudslides, the region is now bracing for nighttime lows in the 30s and 40s on Tuesday and Wednesday, with daytime highs hovering in the 50s and low 60s.

The low pressure system that brought the weekend rains is still lingering over the area, contributing to the unseasonably cold conditions. Meteorologists are particularly concerned about the Antelope Valley, where temperatures could dip as low as the mid 20s, posing a significant risk of hypothermia for both people and animals. In addition, sensitive plants and crops could face damage from the cold snap.

Experts have noted a disturbing trend in recent years, with the number of hypothermia-related deaths on the rise in California. According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 166 Californians lost their lives to hypothermia in 2023, double the number from 2015. This increase has been linked to the growing homeless population in the state, as individuals living on the streets are particularly vulnerable to developing hypothermia, even at relatively mild temperatures.

In response to the frigid conditions, the weather service has issued freeze alerts for various regions, including the interior Central Coast, San Joaquin Valley, Ojai Valley, and Santa Barbara County. While a gradual warmup is expected to begin on Friday as a ridge of high pressure moves into Southern California, temperatures will still remain below normal in L.A. County. The warming trend is anticipated to continue through the weekend, with highs in the mid 70s forecasted for the San Fernando Valley and the 60s to low 70s elsewhere.

Looking ahead, meteorologists are also keeping a close eye on the possibility of widespread rain in L.A. County next Tuesday and Wednesday. There are concerns that this upcoming rainfall could be more substantial than the weekend showers, with higher rain rates and totals predicted. This is especially worrisome for areas near recent burn scars, as the risk of landslides increases after wildfires due to the soil’s reduced ability to absorb water.

Over the weekend, minor slides and flooding were reported in the Palisades burn area, leading to the temporary closure of Topanga Canyon Boulevard. The Eaton fire burn scar, spanning 14,000 acres, is also a cause for concern as the potential for further slides looms. Residents are urged to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions as they navigate the fluctuating weather conditions in the coming days. As always, safety should be a top priority to mitigate the risks associated with the unpredictable elements.