Upcoming Heatwave in Southern California: What to Expect
As Southern Californians bask in a brief period of warm weather, they should brace themselves for an escalating heatwave predicted to strike the region in the coming days. Temperatures are expected to rise steadily throughout the week, peaking towards the end of the week.
Temperature Projections
By Thursday and Friday, temperatures are forecasted to climb 10 to 15 degrees above seasonal averages. Inland valleys will witness highs reaching into the 90s, while some areas in the desert, including the iconic Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival location, could experience triple-digit temperatures.
Coachella Festival Implications
Festivalgoers arriving in Indio for the festival’s opening on Friday should prepare for a sweltering day, with highs anticipated to breach the 100-degree mark. “The first weekend of the festival… it’s going to be a hot weekend,” cautioned David Munyan, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego. “There’s not a whole lot of shade out there, so of course, we always want to preach hydration, light-colored clothing.”
Regional Forecasts
Looking at the broader area, the Inland Empire is predicted to see temperatures in the low 90s on Thursday and Friday. In contrast, the inland valleys of Los Angeles and Orange counties are expected to reach the mid-80s. Coastal regions will feel the least impact of this warm-up, with highs in the mid-70s still above the typical range for this time of year.
Heatwave Duration
According to Munyan, the heat will peak on Thursday and Friday. “We’ll probably get about 3 degrees warmer with each day throughout the course of the week,” he noted. However, the high-pressure system responsible for this heatwave is forecasted to weaken by the weekend, providing some respite, although desert areas may take longer to cool down.
Weekend Outlook
Despite a potential cooling trend, Saturday is still expected to remain hot in Coachella, with forecasted highs in the high 90s. “It looks like weekend No. 2 [of the festival] won’t be as hot, but there’s still some uncertainty,” Munyan indicated.
Conclusion
As the region prepares for a significant rise in temperatures this week, residents and visitors alike are advised to take precautions against the heat, ensuring they stay hydrated and dress appropriately. Those attending outdoor events like the Coachella Festival should be particularly mindful of the conditions.