Much of the Southland enjoyed unseasonably — and even record-breaking — warmth Thursday, but forecasters warned that a drastic change is on tap for Friday, with even a chance of some rain by the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service, downtown Los Angeles reached 87 degrees Thursday afternoon, breaking the record for the date of 86 degrees set in 2020.
The warmth came courtesy of an offshore flow and Santa Ana winds, although forecasters noted that valley areas were actually slightly cooler than they were on Wednesday. Temperatures began dropping more Friday afternoon as the winds shifted back to onshore.
According to the NWS, it will be “much cooler everywhere Friday as a cold upper low enters the region.”
The system could potentially drop some rain in the area by Friday night into early Saturday, although the odds of precipitation were higher in Orange and San Diego counties.
“Can’t completely rule out some isolated showers across the four county area but chances are mostly under 30%,” according to the NWS.
“A second system is expected to arrive Sunday,” forecasters said. “Based on the latest models this one has a higher chance of dropping some rain across the area, but still very light amounts, mostly under a quarter-inch … ”
Strong west to northwest winds are anticipated by Sunday afternoon and evening, possibly reaching 30 to 45 mph near the coast, according to the NWS. Snow levels will also fall Sunday night, leading to “minimal accumulations” of snow on the Grapevine section of the Golden State (5) Freeway that could cause some traffic delays.
Another storm system is expected to reach the region by Tuesday, with larger rain amounts anticipated, according to the NWS.