Relief From Heat Is in the Forecast

After a hot weekend, cooler temperatures with light clouds and fog are expected in the San Fernando Valley and nearby areas beginning today, forecasters said Sunday.

The recent warm weather was caused by a high-pressure system lingering over the region, said Bonnie Bartling, weather information specialist for the National Weather Service.

The hottest areas Sunday were Woodland Hills and Chatsworth, which reached 94 degrees.

High temperatures are expected to drop to the 80s with lows in the 50s and 60s today through Thursday, Bartling said.

“We are back to normal for this time of year,” Bartling said. “No more record-breaking temperatures for now, just cooler weather.”

That would be welcome news for Marina Godinez, 37, of Winnetka, who said she prayed Sunday that the temperature would not reach 100 degrees.

Godinez said she tried repeatedly without success to get her air conditioner to work Sunday morning.

She finally gave up and joined about 50 others at Winnetka Park, trying to escape the burning sun under tree shades.

“It’s hot, but not as bad as a few weeks ago,” she said, savoring ice cream. “But no matter wherever you go, it’s still hot.”