Brr! It's Freezing! Literally, It's Freezing Out There

A cold air mass parked over the Southland kept it chilly today, and temperatures are expected to drop into the 20s and teens overnight in some areas, prompting health officials to issue a cold weather alert.

“A very cold air mass has settled across interior portions of Southwest California,” according to the National Weather Service. “Most mountain areas will see lows tonight in the teens and 20s, with a few locations likely falling into single-digits. Portions of the mountains will also see gusty northeast winds tonight, bringing wind-chill readings into the single digits and teens.

“In the Antelope Valley, the coldest night of the season so far is expected with lows in the upper teens to mid-20s,” forecasters said. “A projected low temperature of 17 degrees is expected at Lancaster, and 21 degrees at Palmdale.”

NWS forecasters said people should be prepared for extremely cold temperatures and warned that the cold “could result in frozen or bursting pipes in poorly insulated homes and areas where pipes are exposed.”

Meanwhile, a frost advisory will be in effect from 2 to 9 a.m. Wednesday in the Santa Clarita and San Gabriel valleys, with temperatures at or below freezing expected tonight and into tomorrow morning.

“Damage to sensitive vegetation is possible,” forecasters said. “Outdoor pets and livestock are at risk for hypothermia.”

Overnight lows were forecast in the upper 30s and low 40s in most other Southland areas, with daytime temperatures tomorrow generally in the 60s.

Health officials noted that children, senior citizens and people with disabilities and special medical needs are particularly vulnerable during cold weather.

They urged people to dress in layers; wear scarves, gloves and hats to protect extremities; bring pets indoors, avoid using stoves, barbecues and ovens for heat; and visit places such as shopping malls, libraries or senior centers if you don’t have heat at home.

City News Service; Photo: www.public-domain-image.com