A stretch of Southern California heat wave conditions is unfolding this week, and forecasters say the weather will feel not only hot but also unusually muggy.
Humidity is expected to spike as remnants of Tropical Storm Mario push moisture north from Mexico, bringing with it chances of showers, thunderstorms, and potential flooding.

“This is not a typical dry heat pattern,” the National Weather Service (NWS) said in a Tuesday evening briefing. “It will be warm and muggy through Friday as remnants of Tropical Storm Mario move into the area. Temperatures will cool through the period but humidities will be much higher than normal.”

Story Highlights

• Southern California heat wave to persist with high humidity through early next week

• Rain and thunderstorms forecast between Wednesday night and early Friday

• Dry lightning and strong winds possible Wednesday night into Thursday

• Flooding and debris flows a risk Thursday near recent burn scars

• Los Angeles opens cooling centers in recreation facilities and libraries

Moisture Surge Brings Rain and Thunderstorm Potential

Forecasters now have “growing confidence” that most areas across Southern California will get at least some rain between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday. The rainfall is expected to be highly variable. Some places may see only a tenth of an inch; others could receive up to two inches.

The NWS Los Angeles office warned:

“With the upcoming shower and thunderstorm chances, the most hazardous impacts Wednesday into early Thursday will be dry lightning and localized strong winds. As more moisture arrives Thursday, the threat shifts to flooding and potential for debris flows in and around recent burn scars.”

The best chance for lightning appears to be as the moisture first arrives Wednesday night into early Thursday. After that, forecasters believe the environment may be “too moist with too much cloud cover to support thunder development.”

Temperature Trends and Overnight Warmth

While daytime highs are expected to ease about five degrees from Tuesday’s scorcher—which saw mid-to-upper 90s in valley areas—overnight lows will stay much warmer than usual. The added moisture aloft traps daytime heat, leading to nighttime temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s across inland areas through early next week.

“This kind of overnight warmth combined with high humidity can make conditions feel uncomfortable, especially for vulnerable populations,” NWS meteorologists noted.

Citywide Readiness and Cooling Centers

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ office said the city is closely monitoring the forecast and coordinating a multi-departmental response. The Emergency Management Department, along with the fire, police, recreation and parks, and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, is prepared to act as needed.

City officials emphasized the availability of public spaces for relief from the Southern California heat wave. Hundreds of cooling centers are open, including recreation and parks facilities and local library branches. Residents can find locations and hours of operation at laparks.org/reccenter or lapl.org/branches, or by calling 311.

Looking Ahead

Forecasters say the muggy pattern could extend into early next week, with a slight chance of additional showers as more moisture arrives from the south. Even as daytime temperatures slowly decline, humidity will remain elevated, creating conditions that could fuel localized flooding if heavier rains develop.

“Angelenos should stay informed of the latest forecasts, be prepared for changing weather conditions, and take advantage of cooling centers if needed,” city officials urged.

With the Southern California heat wave showing no immediate sign of fully letting up, both residents and emergency services are bracing for a combination of high humidity, warm nights, and unstable skies.

Appreciating your time:

We appreciate you taking the time to read our most recent article! We appreciate your opinions and would be delighted to hear them. We value your opinions as we work hard to make improvements and deliver material that you find interesting.

Post a Comment:

In the space provided for comments below, please share your ideas, opinions, and suggestions. We can better understand your interests thanks to your input, which also guarantees that the material we offer will appeal to you. Get in Direct Contact with Us: Please use our “Contact Us” form if you would like to speak with us or if you have any special questions. We are open to questions, collaborations, and, of course, criticism. To fill out our contact form, click this link.

Stay Connected:

Don’t miss out on future updates and articles.