Southern California is bracing for an unusual mid-winter heat wave that could bring record-breaking temperatures to several areas by Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Downtown Los Angeles experienced temperatures 14 degrees above normal on Sunday, reaching 82 degrees. The mercury is expected to climb even higher, potentially hitting the 90s in coastal areas and valleys by mid-week.
The warming trend extends beyond California, as much of the nation will experience temperatures 10-20 degrees above average. Cities from the Plains to the Southwest could see temperatures soaring into the 70s and 80s.
Several Southern California locations, including Riverside, Anaheim, and El Cajon, may approach record highs on Wednesday. Weather officials warn that these unseasonably warm conditions could impact heat-sensitive populations, particularly in inland areas.
The heat wave may be short-lived, however. A storm system currently moving through the Pacific Northwest could bring rain to Southern California by the weekend. The system, which is expected to first affect Shasta County and surrounding regions, may push moisture southward into the region.
This unexpected winter warmth is part of a broader pattern affecting large portions of the United States, creating spring-like conditions well before the traditional end of winter.