Record temperatures hit southern California in unprecedented heatwave
An unprecedented heatwave has gripped southern California, breaking daily records in Los Angeles and Santa Ana. Extreme heat warnings remain in place along the coast through Thursday.
Southern California is in the grip of an unusual autumn heatwave, with temperatures running 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. Monday was especially hot in several cities.
Daily records broken
Downtown Los Angeles reached 104F (40C), according to the National Weather Service (NWS). That beat the previous record for 5 October, 101F (38.3C), set in 1953. About 30 miles south of the city, Santa Ana recorded 106F (41.1C), surpassing a daily high of 103F (39.4C), also from 1953.
Warnings and cause
Extreme heat warnings cover the coast from Santa Barbara to San Diego through Thursday. Health authorities are urging the region's millions of residents to limit time outdoors and stay hydrated.
The NWS blames a ridge of high pressure, which traps hot air over an area. In San Diego and Los Angeles, overnight lows are forecast in the mid to upper 70s Fahrenheit, which the agency says offers only limited relief.
A record for length, too
The heat is notable not only for its intensity but also for its duration. Last week Los Angeles logged four consecutive days at or above 100F, the longest run of triple-digit temperatures ever recorded in October.
According to the NWS, coastal areas should begin cooling on Thursday, with rain forecast for next week. Inland parts of the state may also see lower temperatures on Friday and Saturday.
