Strong gusty winds are expected in the Southland Tuesday, creating potentially hazardous driving conditions, especially in the Antelope valley, and some rain is possible but mostly sunny conditions will prevail, National Weather Service forecasters said.
“There is a chance for showers over Los Angeles and Ventura counties, but any rain will be light,” according to the NWS. Any showers in Los Angeles County — the chance was set at 20 percent — will mostly end this afternoon, according to the weather service.
Also expected are high surf conditions as a result of a developing northwesterly swell, but as of this morning the high surf was forecast no further south than the Central Coast.
Around 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, strong winds kicked up a dust storm in Palmdale and Lancaster, reducing visibility to about a half-mile. Forecasters urged drivers in the area to slow down and be cautious.
The winds were expected to continue throughout the day across the Antelope Valley, through the Interstate 5 corridor in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, and in southern Santa Barbara County. Some gusty winds could slide into the Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys, they said.
The winds will diminish across the Antelope Valley by Tuesday night, then in Santa Barbara County and the Los Angeles and Ventura County mountains by before dawn Wednesday, according to the NWS.
In the meantime, there is a slight chance of rain in the Antelope Valley this afternoon. Also expected are sub-freezing temperatures in parts of the region tonight and again tomorrow night.
The biggest part of Tuesday’s weather story appeared likely to be the wind.
Gusty west-to-northwest winds were expected to blow in the Antelope Valley at sustained speeds of 20 to 30 mph and gust to 50 mph, with isolated 60- mph gusts possible in the foothills, according to the NWS.
Roadways that could be affected by powerful winds include the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway and Pearblossom Highway (138), with swirling dust and sand restricting visibility, it said.
“When driving, use extra caution. Be prepared for sudden gusty crosswinds,” a statement said.
Tuesday’s temperatures are expected to be like Monday’s, mostly ranging from the low to high 60s, but a high of only 55 was expected in the Antelope Valley. Sunshine is expected this afternoon, and sunny weather is forecast for Wednesday.
The NWS forecast sunny skies Tuesday and highs of 49 on Mount Wilson; 56 in Palmdale and Lancaster; 58 in Saugus; 65 in Avalon; 66 in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Mission Viejo and Anaheim; 67 at LAX, Fullerton, Irvine, Pasadena, San Gabriel, Burbank and Woodland Hills; 68 in Yorba Linda; and 69 in Long Beach and Downtown L.A. A warming trend will get underway Wednesday, when temperatures will be five to eight degrees higher.
On Friday and Saturday, some areas will be back in the low 80s. Temperatures will begin to retreat Sunday.
—City News Service