Following a week of summer-like heat, the Southland underwent a dramatic cool-down Tuesday, with some light rain, hail and snow even falling in select areas.
National Weather Service forecasters said the changing conditions were thanks to a cold low-pressure system that moved into the region from Northern California.
“Scattered showers are expected through tonight across Los Angeles County with low snow levels. Gusty winds will continue in many areas through tonight as well,” according to the NWS. “A warming trend will develop across the region for the latter half of the work week as high pressure aloft builds in west of the state.”
Forecasters noted that while some “sprinkles and light showers” occurred across the area, there was “little if any measurable rain.”
“There is some decent cold air with this low, so an isolated thunderstorm can’t be ruled out across L.A. County later this afternoon and evening, but mainly it will be just scattered light showers with some brief bursts of moderate to locally heavy rain,” according to the NWS.
The snow level dropped to about 3,500 feet by late Tuesday afternoon. By mid-afternoon, light snow was already being reported along the Grapevine, dramatically slowing traffic in the northern reaches of the county. By late afternoon, about an inch of hail was reported in the Pasadena area, with more hail and rain falling in La Canada Flintridge. A band of strong rain showers moved through El Monte and Whittier, moving to the southeast.
A wind advisory will be in effect until 10 p.m. in the Antelope Valley, where gusts of up to 45 mph are possible, and until 9 p.m. in the coastal area, with 35 mph gusts in the forecast.
A winter weather advisory will be in effect until 10 p.m. for the Los Angeles County Mountains, excluding the Santa Monica range.
The low-pressure system will move out of the area by Wednesday, with warmer and drier conditions on tap for Thursday, according to the NWS.