Sunny Days in the High 80s Forecast

Sunny skies and afternoon temperatures in the high 80s are expected through Wednesday in the Valley, forecasters said.

“There’s a strong area of high pressure over the eastern Pacific and the West Coast and the sun is doing its magic and warming the temperatures,” said John Sherwin, a meteorologist with WeatherData Inc., which provides forecast information to The Times.

Afternoon highs today are expected to be 87 in Woodland Hills with slightly cooler temperatures in Chatsworth, Van Nuys and Burbank. Morning lows will range from 53 in Woodland Hills to 55 in Van Nuys.

The ultraviolet index in Los Angeles today is expected to be seven, which Sherwin said is considered high. The index ranges from zero to a high of 10 in Southern California, he added.

“During noon, when the sun is at its strongest, 15 minutes is all it would take for someone with fair skin to become sunburned,” Sherwin said. “You want to make sure you’ve got your sunscreen on if you’re sensitive.”

More warm weather is forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday followed by a slight cooling trend beginning Thursday, with sunny skies and afternoon highs in the low to mid-80s, he said.

On Friday, morning clouds will give way to sunshine and temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low-80s.

Morning lows for Thursday and Friday are expected to be in the low to mid-50s.