Next Heat Wave Lurks After A Brief Break For SoCal: Forecast

LOS ANGELES — With the holiday heat wave wrapping up, Southern California should see temperatures landing a little closer to normal through Saturday, but forecasters are growing increasingly confident that the next blast of summer won't be far behind.

A slow cooling trend started on Independence Day and over the next few days should provide a few degrees of noticeable relief inland, while stabilizing temps around Los Angeles and San Diego.

"A series of shortwaves passing through the [Pacific Northwest] will continue to break down the high pressure over SoCal in the coming days, leading to a gradual cooling trend," NWS San Diego wrote Tuesday. "High temperatures will gradually decrease each day, with the coolest days Friday and Saturday."

Even as temperatures slip, it should still feel plenty summery. Afternoon highs are forecast to stay comfortably in the 70s for LA and San Diego, with a consistent stretch of foggy mornings and sunny afternoons, with more seasonable warmth further inland.

Fans of the recent weather will not have to wait long for a sequel: Another high-pressure system is looking to set up shop by Sunday.

"We hope you enjoy the break from the heat this week, as there is increasing consensus among [models] that our next heatwave will build early next week," NWS Los Angeles wrote Tuesday. "It has the potential to be hotter than the recent heat wave, especially [in] coastal valleys where the marine influence may be considerably less."

Early forecasts show daytime highs between 95 and 105 degrees for the coastal valleys and interior and ranging in the 70s and 80s close to the coast. Newly released climate outlooks show favorable odds for above-average heat in Southern California through the end of next week.