SoCal Brace for Thunderstorms & Cooler Temps

Weather officials are forecasting a dynamic week for Southern California, with a combination of thunderstorms and cooler temperatures expected. Thunderstorms are likely to occur through Wednesday night, with the greatest chance of isolated heavy showers and lightning in the Antelope Valley and interior mountain communities. Wind gusts could reach up to 50 miles per hour.

A significant cooling trend will accompany the stormy weather. By Tuesday, afternoon highs are predicted to be two to six degrees cooler than normal for many mountain and valley communities. This temperature drop is attributed to a strong onshore flow, a prevalent marine layer, and cloud cover.

Temperatures are expected to fall even further by Wednesday, with highs potentially five to ten degrees below normal. The onshore flow will persist into Thursday, maintaining a substantial cloud layer over valley regions, potentially leaving some beaches overcast all day. Maximum temperatures in the valleys could be six to twelve degrees below average, with few locations likely to reach 90 degrees.

In addition to the atmospheric changes, coastal areas are experiencing high surf. A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect until midnight on Wednesday, warning of minor flooding from tidal overflow in harbor and sandy beach areas. No significant damage is anticipated from these tidal impacts.