Gusty & dusty to start the week, cooler in the days ahead
-------11:30 PM Update --------
A gusty, dusty day across the valley with breezy wind and cooler temperatures to start the week. The cooler temperatures we saw today are a direct result of the gusty winds and the cooler air moving into Southern California. As a result of the strong winds, we are tracking some air quality concerns. An Air Quality Alert for windblown dust is currently in effect overnight and into Tuesday morning, as a large trough of low pressure moves into the region, it is boosting onshore flow, giving us the winds. This trough is also bringing some significant rainfall to portions of central and southern California.
A rare Tornado Warning even popped up for San Luis Obisbo tonight, with Severe Thunderstorm Warnings continuing overnight across San Luis Obisbo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles Counties.
While the heaviest rain remains likely to our NW, runoff from excessive rainfall could lead to flooding concerns around the region.
The trough will remain over the region for a few days, allowing cool air to dominate. Highs will be at least 10 degrees below the seasonal average, if not more.
Wet weather will move into Southern California as early as tonight for some areas. By tomorrow morning, the frontal edge will bring precipitation to the LA basin and surrounding areas. Areas to the west of the mountains could see episodes of heavy rain. Our local mountains will see notable amounts of rain as well, particularly San Bernardinos, where a Flash Flood Watch is in effect. Minimal rain is expected for the valley floor, with accumulations broadly staying below a tenth of an inch. Given the colder air and moisture associated with this system, there is a chance that areas above 7,000-8,000 feet could see some of the first snow of the season.
Temperatures over the next week will stay very comfortable! Tomorrow will be cloudy and the coolest day of the week. Wednesday will clear up as cold air stays behind from the trough. High gradually warm starting on Wednesday and continuing through Sunday.
