Southern California sizzles -- call it April madness
A second day of searing heat pushed temperatures to historic highs across the Southland on Monday, including Los Angeles, where readings broke records set more than 50 years ago.
The temperature hit 100 degrees in downtown Los Angeles, breaking the previous record of 96 degrees for April 20 set in 1958, according to Bonnie Bartling of the National Weather Service. Readings of 100 degrees were also recorded in Long Beach, topping the mark of 93 set in 1986.
The highest temperatures were recorded in Santa Ana and at UC Riverside, where the mercury hit 103 degrees in both places. The old record for Santa Ana was 91, set in 1986. Riverside’s previous record was 99, set in 1958.
Forecasters attributed the heat wave to a strong upper-level ridge of high pressure combined with offshore winds.
Bartling said coastal areas are expected to cool off today as sea breezes develop, while inland areas will experience readings well into the 90s. Temperatures should return to normal or fall below normal by Thursday as more coastal winds and a marine layer develops.
“Inland, it’ll probably stay pretty toasty until later in the week,” Bartling said.
Records established in 1958 also fell Monday in Fullerton at 100, San Gabriel at 99, Santa Monica at 86 and at UCLA at 99. Palm Springs sizzled at 102 degrees Monday afternoon, but fell short of the 1958 record of 106 degrees.
The weather service advises that during periods of high temperatures, people should avoid strenuous activities; wear light, loose-fitting clothing; drink plenty of nonalcoholic liquids; and never leave children, the elderly or pets in vehicles.
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