Southern California could see its warmest weekend so far this year, with a brief but significant change in weather that will weaken the marine layer and raise temperatures across the region.
“It's going to be warmer almost everywhere,” said Mike Wofford, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. He said higher temperatures are expected on Saturday.
But the warming begins Friday in the Inland Empire and the low deserts, where heat advisories are in effect Friday and Saturday and triple-digit temperatures are forecast. An excessive heat warning has been issued for the Coachella Valley and San Diego County deserts, where “dangerously hot conditions” are expected; Palm Springs could see its hottest day of 2024, with highs on Saturday reaching 115 degrees.
Highs this weekend for the valleys of Los Angeles County are expected to reach a high of 90 degrees, while central Los Angeles and inland Orange County will reach 80 degrees, and beaches are forecast They will reach the mid 70s.
“High pressure aloft and increased northward flow will bring significant warming [Friday], with additional warming in coastal and valley areas on Saturday,” the National Weather Service's Friday morning forecast discussion said. “After [Friday] In the morning, expect limited clouds in the evening and morning into Sunday.”
High pressure and clear skies will lead to warmer weather today and especially Saturday, particularly in the deserts where it will be hot, gusty and dry. Warm overnight temperatures offer less relief in the low deserts. Take heat precautions and know the signs of heat-related illnesses. pic.twitter.com/MPEDubHAuk
– NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) June 14, 2024
For beachgoers, officials are warning of dangerous ocean conditions through Sunday, with “dangerous rip currents and breaking waves due to high surf,” according to the weather service's beach hazard statement.
Along with the heat, the Antelope Valley corridor and Interstate 5 should expect a windy weekend, with wind advisories warning of possible gusts of up to 50 and 60 mph, a combination that will create favorable conditions for grass fires.
“Damaging winds could down trees and power lines,” the weather service warned. “Power outages are possible. Traveling will be difficult, especially for drivers of high-profile vehicles.”
But the warmer temperatures are not expected to persist past the weekend.
“It's a really short warm-up,” said Alex Tardy, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego. “We're going to have a lot less clouds even on Saturday morning, and then those clouds will start to come back on Sunday.”
A cooling trend will begin next week, Wofford said, but another warm weekend could follow.
“We're going to start a cool down on Monday and then as we go into next week (Thursday and Friday), we'll see temperatures rise quite a bit.”
