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An upper level flow is pulling monsoonal moisture up from Mexico, raising humidity levels in typically-dry Los Angeles, where daytime temperatures have approached triple digits in the San Fernando Valley.
Even closer to the beach, it’s hot. The mercury soared to 96 degrees today in Long Beach, breaking the daily heat record of 94 degrees, set in 1974, the National Weather Service reports.
Sunset isn’t likely to bring much relief. For much of Los Angeles, nighttime lows of 70 degrees are in the forecast tonight and Wednesday.
The combination of the daytime heat, warmer nighttime lows, and higher humidities have triggered heat advisories in the Valley, where temperatures were hovering around 100 degrees this evening.
Please use caution with #LAHeat. Stay hydrated and avoid midday sun. It is advised to plan outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day. #SFV #SGV #SCV #CAwx https://t.co/taMtaBmto0
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) July 23, 2019
It’s not just muggy. The high dew point can also make the weather feel warmer than what the thermometer says.
And, the the influx of monsoonal moisture brings a slight chance of thunderstorms. Lightning struck Marina del Rey this morning, prompting the Los Angeles County Fire Department lifeguard division to briefly shutter Los Angeles County beaches, from Torrance to Big Rock in Malibu.
It looks like Wednesday will be the hottest day of this heatwave. Here’s what’s forecasted across the area:
- Burbank: 95 degrees
- Downtown LA: 89 degrees
- Glendale: 98 degrees
- Hollywood: 94 degrees
- Lake Balboa: 101 degrees
- Miracle Mile: 89 degrees
Forecasters say the upper level flow will turn southwest by Friday, “which will help to shunt the monsoonal moisture.” But, according to the Weather Service, temperatures will continue to hover several degrees above normal in most areas through Sunday.