Southern California is bracing for a week of volatile weather, with a combination of high temperatures and thunderstorms creating risks of both flash floods and new wildfires.
Tuesday is forecast to be the hottest day of the week, as temperatures in Los Angeles County’s warmer valleys are expected to reach triple digits. Inland coastal areas will see highs in the 80s and low 90s. The heat will continue into Wednesday, coinciding with an increased risk of thunderstorms that is expected to last through midday Friday.
The incoming storms present a dual threat. Lightning could spark fires in areas with dry vegetation, while the same systems may also produce brief, heavy downpours and strong, isolated wind gusts. The greatest potential for thunderstorms and lightning is from Wednesday morning through Thursday morning.
Weather models show significant uncertainty, making it difficult to predict precise locations for the storms. Meteorologists attribute this to a complex interaction of three weather systems: a ridge of high pressure from the east, a low-pressure system from the northwest, and moisture from Tropical Storm Mario to the south.
From Tuesday night through midday Friday, the National Weather Service places the chance of thunderstorms across Los Angeles County at 15% to 25%, with a 60% to 90% chance of showers. Officials advise anyone who hears thunder to seek shelter immediately, particularly those at beaches or in other open areas.
Thursday is expected to be the wettest day, though rainfall predictions vary widely. Current models suggest totals could range from a tenth of an inch to over an inch, with the possibility of no rain at all in some areas. The forecast indicates a high risk for wet outdoor events, a moderate risk of minor urban and roadway flooding, and a low risk of significant flooding or debris flows.
The threat of showers and thunderstorms should diminish by Friday afternoon, giving way to a calm and dry weekend. Temperatures are predicted to return to seasonal norms by Saturday.
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