Cooler Air, Higher Humidity Come to the Aid of Firefighters

Cooler temperatures and higher humidity, replacing blustering Santa Ana winds of earlier this week, have become a major ally in the battle against Southern California brush fires.

Readings dropped from highs in the 90s early in the week to the upper 70s on Thursday in the Los Angeles area. And the Los Angeles Civic Center recorded a peak humidity reading of 76% during the day--a virtual wet blanket when compared to the 10% and lower humidity levels of Monday and Tuesday.

Today’s highs in Orange County should range from 67 to 75 with overnight lows in the 50s to lows 60s, the National Weather Service said.

The cooling trend is expected to continue through the weekend as a flow of moist marine air brings late-night and early-morning low clouds.

Deep Clouds

Circulating coastal air masses weakened a bit Thursday, but not before deepening the marine layer to nearly 3,000 feet, according to the Weather Service. A weak upper-level, high-pressure system will provide mostly clear skies as the cloud cover burns off by late morning.

Warmer days are expected in the southern deserts, with highs in the 80s and lows in the 50s. Readings will be a few degrees cooler in the northern deserts.

Temperatures in the mountains will range from highs in the upper 60s to lows in the 30s.

Weekend beach temperatures will range from the upper 50s to the 70s, with surf of one to three feet at 12-second intervals expected.

Coastal waters from Southern California to Ensenada will experience light, variable winds from 10 to 15 knots, with swells from one to two feet.