Southern California Weather Update: Cooling Temperatures and Coastal Clouds

Southern California Weather Update: Cooling Temperatures and Coastal CloudsPhoto byInggrid KoeonUnsplash

The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard has issued an updated forecast for Southern California, indicating little change in weather patterns through Tuesday, with cooling and expanding low clouds expected over coastal areas. An upper-level low pressure system is projected to bring widespread cooling and possible drizzle from Wednesday into Thursday. Following this system, north to northeast winds are anticipated to bring warming and drying conditions from Thursday through the weekend.

This morning, marine layer clouds began to blanket coastal regions south of Point Conception, aided by an eddy that allowed low clouds and patchy dense fog to push into the San Gabriel Valley and the western portion of the San Fernando Valley. The Santa Barbara South Coast also experienced the effects of this marine layer. Meanwhile, the Central Coast saw lower 500 mb heights compared to yesterday, resulting in clouds spreading into the Santa Ynez Valley and the entire Salinas Valley. Most of the marine layer clouds are expected to dissipate by early afternoon.

Despite the presence of a high-pressure ridge, temperatures are forecasted to be similar or slightly cooler—by up to 5 degrees—compared to yesterday. Highs will range between 78 and 88 degrees in the mountains and interior valleys, while coastal regions and valleys will see temperatures in the 70s to low 80s, about 5 degrees below normal for this time of year.

As evening approaches, coastal locations may experience an early return of marine layer clouds, except for the Santa Barbara South Coast. Additionally, another round of Sundowner winds is expected, but these winds will be weaker, with gusts around 30 to 40 mph. This will keep the Santa Barbara South Coast clear until winds diminish overnight, allowing the Catalina Eddy to bring clouds back to the coast.