A mini heat wave drove Southland temperatures into record territory Wednesday, setting the stage for an uncommonly warm Thanksgiving Day, when more records are possible.
Temperatures were ranging about 20 degrees above normal Wednesday, and heat records had already fallen in several locations by noon. Temperatures are expected to drop a few degrees Thursday, but it’ll still be about 20-25 degrees higher than the average in many communities, National Weather Service meteorologist Rich Thompson said.
By midday Wednesday, downtown Los Angeles had already reached 90 degrees, breaking the record for the date of 89 degrees, set in 1950. Los Angeles International Airport also broke the 1950 record of 89 degrees by hitting 92 degrees.
Records were also set by midday in Long Beach, where the temperature reached 91 and topped the 2015 record of 88. Woodland Hills set a record at 92 degrees, topping the 2005 mark of 89; while Sandberg reached 74 degrees to top the 1995 record of 71.
The unusual temperatures are the result of high pressure aloft combined with weak but warm offshore winds, Thompson said.
Some heat records for a Nov. 21 were set in Los Angeles County Tuesday, including 91 in Burbank, topping the 88 set in 2002; 91 in Woodland Hills, besting the 89 set in 2002; and 74 in Sandberg, compared to 70 in 1995.
Forecasters said heat records could also be set Thursday in downtown Los Angeles, Burbank, Lancaster and Palmdale.
If Thursday’s high in downtown Los Angeles reaches 90, as forecast, it would tie a record set on Nov. 23, 1903, Thompson said.
In Orange County, a high of 81 is expected in Newport Beach, which would tie a record set in 2002, while the expected high of 91 in Santa Ana Thursday could tie a record set in 1950, said NWS meteorologist Greg Martin.
Temperatures are expected to begin falling on Friday, when highs will be 10 degrees lower than Wednesday in several areas, but still above the norm.
–City News Service