Angelenos are in for a chilly surprise as the weather takes an unexpected turn. Forecasters are predicting a stretch of cool temperatures and scattered rain over the next week. Mike Wofford, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard, stated that this pattern could last for at least eight to nine days. He advised residents to prepare for cooler weather than usual.
Temperatures are expected to hover in the 60s, which is several degrees below the average of around 71 degrees for this time of year in downtown Los Angeles. For instance, Friday’s high was projected to be only 66 degrees. Wofford noted that temperatures could drop even further, remaining 3 to 8 degrees below normal.
This change in weather is being driven by a series of storms moving in from the Pacific Northwest. The first storm is expected to bring light rain to the Southland by Sunday, with some areas possibly seeing up to a tenth of an inch of precipitation. However, Wofford mentioned that even with more storms on the horizon next week, it’s unlikely that the total rainfall would exceed half an inch.
While the forecast indicates a dreary start to April, this weather shift could provide some much-needed relief to Southern California, which is currently facing severe drought conditions. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows that the region has been struggling with dry weather, making any amount of rain beneficial.
Despite the gloominess, there is a silver lining. The rainfall could help alleviate some of the drought issues impacting the area. As the week progresses, residents will need to stay updated on the weather, especially since the potential for heavier rainfall has not been completely ruled out, according to weather models.