Spring Sprang With Sprung Thermometers

Los Angeles celebrated the first day of spring Sunday with a continuing summer-like heat wave that resulted in a record-tying high of 89 degrees downtown.

However, a 15-degree drop was predicted for today, with peak readings around Los Angeles expected to range only in the mid-70s, according to meteorologist Dan Bowman of WeatherData Inc., which provides forecasts for The Times.

Bowman said Sunday’s Civic Center high tied a previous record for the date set in 1931. Saturday’s high downtown was also 89, tying a previous record set in 1960, he said.

Relative humidity ranged from 34% to 8%.

A record high for the date was set in San Juan Capistrano, where the reading of 90 shattered the old mark, 86, set in 1931.

Peak Readings

Some other peak readings in the area Sunday included 91 in Monrovia; 90 in San Bernardino, San Gabriel and Santa Ana; 89 in Northridge and 88 in Long Beach, Torrance and Woodland Hills.

Southland beaches were jammed Sunday and extra lifeguards were put on duty to handle the big crowds.

About 500,000 people crowded onto beaches from the South Bay to Malibu, Los Angeles County lifeguards reported, causing beach parking lots to close early and creating bumper-to-bumper traffic on streets leading to the beaches, including Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.

Complicating lifeguards’ work Sunday were the first south ocean swells of the season, creating strong currents. Several dozen swimmers had to be rescued, lifeguards said.

Water temperature ranged from 58 to 60 degrees.

The high-pressure system that brought on the heat was expected to weaken today and move eastward, allowing cooler, marine air to move in from the ocean.

The vernal equinox (first day of spring), which marks the point when the sun crosses the Equator and day and night are of equal length, happened at 1:39 a.m., making Sunday the first day of spring.