UPDATE: Southern California is cooling off this weekend after a week of record-breaking winter heat, but another heatwave is looming. As of Friday, temperatures are set to peak at 78 degrees in Los Angeles and Orange counties before dropping significantly through Sunday.
Residents can expect a high of just 70 degrees on Sunday, the coolest day of the week, before temperatures begin to rise again on Monday. Inland valleys and the Inland Empire will feel slightly warmer, with highs ranging from 75 to 80 degrees and lows near 50 degrees. Coastal areas will see highs around 69 degrees this weekend, with lows in the 50s.
This sudden cool-down follows a sweltering week where San Diego County recorded temperatures as high as 84 degrees, marking a shocking 15 degrees above the historical average. High-pressure systems have dominated the region, boosting average temperatures to unprecedented levels for winter.
As Southern California experiences this weather shift, the Pacific Northwest is grappling with severe storms and flooding. Heavy rainfall has resulted in widespread evacuations in Washington state, prompting rescue operations for stranded residents. Fire officials near Seattle have utilized inflatable kayaks to save those trapped by rising water levels.
The National Weather Service warns that additional storms are on the horizon, with some major rivers expected to crest later this week. In Oregon and Washington, residents are facing power outages and school closures as heavy rains and debris slides disrupt daily life. Flood watches remain in effect as more than a foot of snow is projected for the northern Rockies in northwestern Wyoming.
This dramatic contrast in weather highlights the ongoing unpredictability of winter conditions across the United States. While Southern California cools down, the East Coast and other regions are bracing for the aftermath of severe weather.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.
