The weather in Southern California, never one for subtlety, is offering a full spectrum experience this week. Just as weekend beachgoers contended with high surf and rain from Hurricane Marie, the region is now preparing for a major heat wave, with temperatures set to soar into the triple digits.
This kind of rapid shift from rain-soaked streets to scorching pavement is a particular flavor of Southern California living. Sunday saw steady rain across much of the area, a lingering effect from Hurricane Marie, which managed to send significant moisture our way despite staying well offshore. The National Weather Service reported flooding in parking lots at Seal Beach and Zuma Beach, with water "flowing into homes and streets" in Long Beach.
That weekend rain led the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to issue an ocean water quality rain advisory for all LA County beaches, effective until at least 2 p.m. Wednesday. The department cautioned beach users to avoid water contact for at least 72 hours after rainfall. Officials had already been urging inexperienced swimmers to steer clear of the water due to rip currents, a warning that will remain relevant for some time.
For coastal areas, a high surf advisory and coastal flood advisory are in place until 11 p.m. Tuesday, affecting portions of the Los Angeles County and Orange County coasts. Large breaking waves are expected, reaching 6 to 10 feet on south and southwestern-facing beaches, and 4 to 7 feet on west-facing beaches. These conditions will also bring strong and dangerous rip and longshore currents. The National Weather Service noted that with large crowds anticipated for the Labor Day holiday, these advisories emphasize public caution near and in the ocean. High tides, expected to exceed 7 feet by Monday, will combine with the south swell to create a moderate risk of coastal flooding in some areas.
Now, to the main event: the heat. Temperatures are expected to start climbing on Labor Day, reaching the upper 80s and 90s in most inland areas of Los Angeles County. The real sizzle arrives Tuesday through Thursday. The National Weather Service stated Sunday that by Tuesday, many areas along the coasts and coastal valleys, particularly the LA Basin, could expect moderate to major heat risk. The agency anticipates temperatures will peak on Wednesday, predicting widespread major heat risk and highs largely ranging from 90 to 105 degrees. Even after the sun goes down, there won't be much respite, with overnight lows predicted to stay in the 70s, and even the upper 70s, on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
As for Marie, it’s forecast to continue its track northwest over the next several days, thankfully remaining well off the California coast, leaving its moisture and the subsequent heat in its wake.
