Record Heat Gives Way to Cold Storm, Chance of Rush Hour Rain

One day after the end of a 12-day heat wave, a Pacific storm took aim at the Southland today, threatening rainfall during rush hour tonight and tomorrow morning, gusty winds strong enough to knock down trees and power lines, and a precipitous drop in temperature, forecasters said.

Following a day when more heat records were set, the temperature is expected to fall by around 20 degrees today, the National Weather Service said, and rain totals resulting from the approaching system are expected to vary between a quarter-inch and an inch.

South-to-southwest winds will develop across the region today and intensify tonight, with gusts of between 50 and 70 miles per hour in the mountains and the Antelope Valley and 40 to 50 mph across the interior valleys, according to the NWS.

“The gusty winds will have the potential to down trees and power lines and cause areas of blowing dust in the Antelope Valley,” an NWS statement said.

A wind advisory will be in effect in the San Gabriel Mountains in Los Angeles County, the Antelope Valley, the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational area and the Santa Clarita valleys from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. today.

In the San Gabriels and the Antelope Valley, the wind advisory will be followed by a more serious high wind warning lasting through Thursday morning, when there could be 75-mph gusts near ridge tops, the NWS said. A high wind warning reflects the expectation of gusts of at least 58 mph.

“When driving, use extra caution. Be prepared for sudden gusty crosswinds and be alert for downed trees and power lines as well as flying debris,” warned an NWS statement, which also said there is a potential for power outages.

The snow level is expected to remain above 7,000 feet during the storm.

On Tuesday, record high temperatures were set in downtown L.A. where a high of 90 topped the record for a February 16 -- 88, set in 1977; LAX, where the high of 88 topped the record 84 set in 1953; Long Beach Airport, where the high of 89 beat the record 85 set in 1977; Santa Ana, where the high of 95 beat the record 87 set in 1977; and Newport Beach, where the high of 78 edged the record 77 set in 1930.

Despite the sharp temperature drop, today’s weather will not be particularly cold, with highs around Los Angeles -- including in the valleys -- expected to be in the high 60s and low 70s. Sunny weather is expected to return Friday.

City News Service