L.A. Receives Hot, Bright Valentine

It was a bright, hot Valentine’s Day in Los Angeles.

The temperature hit 86 at 1 p.m. today in downtown Los Angeles and was creeping toward the previous Valentine’s Day record (set in 1943) of 90, according to U.S. Weather Service specialist Stan Massey.

It was the third day of the warm spell in the Southland. On Wednesday the Southland was the nation’s warmest region, and it may be again today.

Wednesday’s high of 90 broke the record for the date--the previous top being 89 in 1924. Massey attributed the current hot period to “a mild Santa Ana” condition, with winds moving from the northeast across the deserts carrying the warm air into the Southland.

A Bit Cooler Friday

But he said it will be a bit cooler Friday. The forecast is for the mid 80s in Los Angeles and the low 80s along the coast. During the night temperatures will range from 45 to 60.

Highs in the mountains will range from 56 to 66, the Weather Service said, and peaks from the high 60s to the low 80s were forecast for the deserts Friday. Sunny skies will continue through Friday, but some patchy fog or low clouds may move in along the coast Friday night.

Massey said there should be further slight cooling on Saturday and Sunday.

As they did the day before, Southern California’s sunny beaches beckoned many thousands. Senior ocean lifeguard Kenny Atkins estimated that there were about 175,000 swimmers and sunbathers on Los Angeles County strands. “I’d say it is a moderate crowd considering the weather,” he said. “But it does look a little like a school holiday.”

Hikers Uncounted

He said that three days ago “we had about 20,000.”

U.S. Forest Service spokesman Bob Swinford said he could not estimate the number of hikers taking advantage of the weather in Angeles National Forest, but noted: “It’s a beautiful day.”