Overview:
An ABC7 Los Angeles weather report details a winter warmup bringing summer-like temperatures to much of Southern California. According to the report, inland areas including Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Inland Empire are expected to see highs ranging from the mid-80s to near 90 degrees, while coastal communities remain milder. Mountain and desert regions will also experience above-average daytime temperatures despite cooler overnight lows. Forecasters note the warm conditions are temporary, with additional temperature fluctuations expected later in the week, underscoring the region’s variable winter weather patterns.
LOS ANGELES —
Credit: Maria Cornejo
Unseasonable winter heat in Los Angeles brought summerlike temperatures to parts of Southern California late last week.
While other parts of the U.S. saw winter storms, much of Los Angeles County experienced above-normal temperatures, which meteorologists attributed to offshore winds and dry air.
Weather Pattern Behind the Warm Spell
Credit: YouTube ABC7 Los Angeles
Meteorologists said the unseasonable winter heat in Los Angeles was partly driven by offshore winds associated with Santa Ana conditions. These winds funnel dry air from inland areas toward the coast, often leading to warmer temperatures and lower humidity.
Although Santa Ana winds are most common during the fall months, they can occur at other times of the year. When they do, they are capable of temporarily overriding normal winter cooling patterns. No significant wildfires were reported in Los Angeles County during this warm spell.
“Santa Ana winds are strong, extremely dry downslope winds … that originate inland and affect coastal Southern California.”
South Bay Temperatures Rise Above Seasonal Norms
In the South Bay city of Lawndale, located near the coast, temperatures climbed into the low 80s. Highs reached approximately 81 degrees on Friday and 82 degrees on Saturday before cooling slightly to the mid-70s on Sunday.
Cities that are located in coastal areas, such as Lawndale, normally have a milder climate because of the influence of the Pacific Ocean. The warmth in this area is therefore notable even though it is not extreme.
Inland Los Angeles Sees Higher Heat
The inland areas were most affected by the warm conditions. ABC7 Los Angeles reported that some areas were as close as 90 degrees during the peak of the heat wave. The heat is well above average for late January.
Despite the high temperatures, wind speeds are light across many areas of the coast.
Cooler Conditions Expected to Return
Forecasters said the unseasonable winter heat in Los Angeles was expected to be short-lived. Cooler air was projected to return early in the week, with daytime highs dropping back into the low 70s — closer to normal winter conditions for Southern California.
Although temperatures in the 70s are relatively tolerable in relation to summer temperatures, they are actually higher than average temperatures in winter. According to meteorologists, it is expected that such changes in weather are not unusual in the area, although they seem more noticeable in the midst of winter when people usually anticipate cold and wet weather.
Sources:
National Weather Service – “Santa Ana Wind” (Glossary Definition)
ABC7 Los Angeles — “Winter warmup bringing summer-like temperatures to SoCal”
Winter warmup bringing summer-like temperatures to SoCal,” ABC7 Los Angeles (YouTube)
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