Southern California is bracing for a significant rise in temperatures next week, with some areas potentially reaching triple digits. After a chilly start to spring and recent rain, the weather is expected to shift dramatically, bringing summer-like conditions.
By Sunday, temperatures along the coast are forecasted to hit the 70s, while inland areas could see highs in the 80s. Following a brief cool down on Monday, the warm weather is set to continue throughout the week, according to the National Weather Service.
By midweek, coastal areas may experience temperatures in the 80s, with valleys possibly reaching the 90s. Some locations in the San Fernando Valley could even exceed 100 degrees, potentially breaking daily heat records, as noted by meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld from the National Weather Service in Oxnard.
"This heat is about 12 to 18 degrees above normal," Schoenfeld explained. While variations in temperature can occur, this forecast is particularly unusual for this time of year.
Recent scattered showers may be the last precipitation the region sees for a while. Downtown Los Angeles recorded less than a tenth of an inch of rain, while California State University Northridge received about a third of an inch.
Without more rain in the forecast, parts of Southern California risk ending the wet season with a deficit. Since the beginning of the water year on October 1, downtown Los Angeles has received 7.87 inches of rain, falling short of the average of 13.13 inches for this time of year.
Looking ahead, the weather service indicates that the next ten days offer no significant chance for rain, signaling the end of the rainy season. Despite a drier winter in some areas, California is benefiting from a robust snowpack, which is expected to provide ample water supply for the state.
Overall, residents are advised to prepare for the heat and stay hydrated as the temperatures rise.