Above normal heat with stronger Santa Ana winds expected on Thursday.
The nights will stay clear with chilly temperatures, we'll overnight lows dropping between 40 to 50 degrees from the coast to the valleys. Daytime highs on the other hand will be well above average ranging from 10 to nearly 20 degrees above normal through Sunday. We'll see 70s and 80s across most of the county, with 60s in the mountains.
Building high pressure and mild Santa Ana winds are leading to these warmer temperatures. East and northeasterly gusts of 20 to 45mph will impact the inland and mountain areas. The persistent Santa Ana pattern is making the air very dry with low relative humidity, and stronger gusts expected to develop Wednesday night into Thursday. The combination of low humidity, warmer than normal heat, and stronger gusts will elevate fire danger for the rest of the week.
Cooling begins early next week, as the Santa Ana and high-pressure pattern breaks down. Monday will be a transitional day with the sea-breeze returning and adding clouds at night and patchy fog early morning. Temperatures will be much cooler on Tuesday with stronger westerly winds.
February is typically one of rainiest months with an average rainfall of 2.27". Unfortunately, with this dry pattern, our deficit continues to grow.
Wednesday's Highs:
Coast: 82-87°
Inland: 87-92°
Mountains: 69-76°
Deserts: 81-86°
Follow ABC 10News Meteorologist Angelica Campos on Facebook & Instagram @Camposcrusher and Twitter @10NewsCampos
