Valleywide Cool Spell Is Forecast Through Friday

Forecasters say the extended season of hot weather is finally over. Afternoon temperatures through Friday are not expected to rise above the mid-80s in the Valley, forecasters said.

“Valley residents will enjoy a cool spell this week,” said Jeff House, a meteorologist with WeatherData Inc., which provides forecast information to The Times. “Temperatures will be slightly below average for this time of the year.”

Dennis Tussey, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said he agreed that the period of extreme heat is over but added there still could be a 90-degree day or two through the end of October.

“At this time of the year, we can always get a day or two of offshore flow where we do warm up above normal, but I would have to say that the relative long heat wave is over,” Tussey said.

The forecast for the Valley today and Tuesday calls for low clouds and fog in the morning to give way to partly cloudy skies in the afternoon, House said.

Chatsworth is expected to be the warmest spot in the Valley today with an afternoon high of 81. Slightly cooler temperatures are expected in Woodland Hills, Van Nuys and Burbank.

Similar temperatures are forecast Tuesday.

Afternoon temperatures for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are expected to be slightly warmer, ranging from the low to mid-80s, House said.

Morning lows through Friday should be in the mid- to upper 50s.

The ultraviolet index today at noon, when the sun’s rays are most direct, is expected to be 6, a moderate level of exposure, House said. Individuals with fair skin would be safe from sunburn for up to 12 minutes, he added.