Cooler Temperatures Arrive After SoCal Heat Wave

LOS ANGELES, California — Southern California is experiencing a significant cooldown after a record-breaking heat wave over the weekend. A trough of low pressure is set to arrive Monday night, causing temperatures to drop.

The National Weather Service reports that the most noticeable temperature decrease will occur on Tuesday, making it the coolest day of the week. Typical temperatures will range from the mid-60s to the upper 70s across the region.

On Monday, high temperatures in Los Angeles and Orange counties are expected to reach 71 degrees, with lows around 54. By Tuesday, temperatures are projected to settle in the upper 60s.

In the valleys and the Inland Empire, temperatures will reach the mid to upper 70s on Monday, dropping slightly below 70 degrees on Tuesday. Coastal areas can anticipate highs around 67 degrees with morning clouds, transitioning to partly sunny skies in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, mountain regions will enjoy sunny weather with highs around 61 degrees, while deserts will experience breezy conditions, peaking in the upper 70s before warming up towards the week’s end.

Forecasters say that the cooler weather brings with it a deepening marine layer, leading to potential low clouds and light drizzle in the evenings and mornings. “Especially by Tuesday, we’ll definitely feel the ‘May gray’ has set in,” said Joe Sirard, a meteorologist in Oxnard.

The drastic temperature drop follows an intense heat wave that unexpectedly surged on Saturday, breaking several temperature records and leading to numerous heat-related emergencies. Over the weekend, firefighters had to rescue at least 15 people in Orange County and nine in Riverside County. A hiker requiring medical assistance due to heat exhaustion was airlifted from the Hollywood Hills.

Downtown Los Angeles set a record high of 103 degrees, surpassing the previous record of 99 degrees set in 1988. Other cities in Southern California, including Woodland Hills and Burbank, also recorded high temperatures above 100 degrees.

Temperatures are expected to warm slightly on Wednesday and Thursday; however, no new heat waves are anticipated in the near future.