An ‘abnormal,’ monsoon-like weather pattern hits Southern California
The dry and hot conditions of the past several days have brought a welcome relief to Southern California, providing a welcome respite after a long, hot summer.
As long as the Santa Ana winds — sometimes known as the “Santa Ana Freeway” — remained in place, life seemed to go on as usual for millions of Angelenos.
The dry and hot conditions of the past several days have brought a welcome relief to Southern California, providing a welcome respite after a long, hot summer. (Dan Tuffs / Los Angeles Times)
But as the weather system that has blown in California’s infamous “Santa Ana” winds has gradually evolved into an intense and monsoon-like pattern, life in Southern California has become more difficult.
It’s still not raining, but Los Angeles is getting pounded by frequent, intense storms. And although rain and thunderstorms are rare in Southern California this time of year, strong winds and heavy downpours are more common, making the forecast for the rest of the weekend difficult to read.
With an array of climate-related weather issues ranging from droughts and wildfires to sea-level rise and the effects of global warming, Los Angeles is experiencing a slew of stormy conditions.
One thing that is clear is that the “abnormally” dry air, intense winds and heavy rains are not over yet for Southern California.
The next day, as the forecast showed a chance for showers and possibly a thunderstorm, the temperature shot up to 106, a record high.
It’s too soon to be sure what the weather will be like for Los Angeles residents for the rest of the week, but a combination of dry and wet weather is certainly possible.
So what exactly is behind all this mayhem?
“The combination of heat, high winds and the potential for precipitation will mean a few more hot days for the first few days,” said Mike Balsamo, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Oxnard. “But we’re going to be very dry, so that is going to continue.”
Los Angeles is expected to get about 2 to 2.5 inches
