Southland Weather: Cooler Temps Arrive This Week

Southern California’s unusually warm New year’s weather is about to shift, with temperatures expected to return to seasonal norms starting Tuesday.

Cooler temperatures and a chance of Rain Arrive this Week

After more than a week of highs in the upper 70s to low 80s in downtown Los Angeles, a change is on the horizon.

Recent warm temperatures have been a welcome respite for many Southern Californians.

A low pressure system approaching the region will bring cooler air, with highs expected to drop to the low 70s in valley areas and the mid-to-upper 60s near the coast by Wednesday, according to Lisa Phillips, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. there’s also a possibility of light rain Wednesday night into thursday.

“We had a little warm spell here and it’s coming to an end,” Phillips said.

Did you know? – Southern California’s climate is heavily influenced by both Pacific Ocean currents and regional wind patterns, leading to variable temperatures even within the same month.

Why Was It So Warm?

While the recent warmth was noticeable, Phillips explained that January often brings bouts of warmer weather to Southern California. This is due to dry, offshore winds that frequently blow through the region during the month, lifting temperatures. This pattern is well-known to locals who frequently enough enjoy beach days while much of the country experiences winter snow.

Pro tip – Check the National Weather Service website or app for the latest forecasts and any potential weather alerts in your specific area.

• Temperatures in Southern California will begin to cool down Tuesday.
• Highs will be in the low 70s for valleys and mid-to-upper 60s near the coast by Wednesday.
• A chance of light rain is forecast for wednesday night into thursday.
• Warmer weather could return by next weekend.

Though, the cooler weather may not stick around for long. Phillips indicated that additional warming is possible by next weekend.

What happened? Southern California experienced an unseasonably warm period in early January,with temperatures reaching the upper 70s to low 80s in Los Angeles. Who was involved? Lisa Phillips, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard, provided details about the weather patterns. Why did it happen? The warmth was caused by dry, offshore winds, a common occurrence in Southern California during January. How did it end? A low-pressure system moved into the region, bringing cooler air and the possibility of rain, effectively ending the warm spell. The shift began Tuesday and is expected to fully materialize by Wednesday, with temperatures returning to seasonal norms in the low 70s and mid-60s.