Tuesday sees more than 35 million Californians facing heat warnings as a tropical disturbance sends rain to central Florida, with the West enduring temperatures that run 5 to 15 degrees above the norm. Dangerous conditions stretch across southern and central California, and Los Angeles has never before, in recorded history, endured four straight days of October temperatures above 100 degrees.
Extreme heat warnings are still up across Southern California through Thursday, with the heat wave set to run through the middle of the week before it finally eases as the weekend begins.
Temperatures Across Southern California
The region stretching from San Diego to Los Angeles is expected to hit temperatures between 90 and 100 degrees. In the valleys of Southern California, readings could rise even higher, reaching up to 106 degrees.
A heat warning covers central California through Thursday or Friday, with the exact end date depending on where you are. From Bakersfield to Fresno to San Jose to Sacramento to Redding, thermometers could top out in the low 100s.
The nighttime temperatures remain unusually warm, and that has made the ongoing heat spell particularly hazardous for people who lack air conditioning at home.
The Tropical Disturbance Over Florida
A stationary weather system is currently covering central Florida, and it is expected to remain in place through at least Thursday. The result will be daily rain showers across the state, with up to 2 inches of rain possible in some locations each day.
From Tuesday through Thursday, widespread rainfall across Florida could total between 1 and 4 inch, with certain regions of central Florida receiving 4 to 8 inches.
Florida’s capacity to manage heavy rain means the danger from flooding is small.
The System’s Path Through the Gulf
The Gulf could give rise to a tropical disturbance by Friday, which would then travel north toward the Florida Panhandle while the frontal boundary begins to pull back northward. A tropical depression is forecast to come together within the next 48 hours, and it appears it will gain enough strength to develop into a tropical storm, with the possibility of reaching hurricane status.
This system has the potential to make landfall on the central Gulf Coast this weekend, with Saturday being the most likely day, though the level of certainty remains modest.
The Gulf Coast will see additional rain showers from Friday through Sunday.
Rainfall Totals Across the South
Friday through Sunday, the region stretching from New Orleans to Tallahassee, Florida, stands to gather 2 to 5 inches of rain. The total depends on how strong the system becomes, with the South generally expecting 1 to 4 inches across the same period.
While this region can tolerate rain reasonably well, reducing the risk of flooding, there remains a possibility that heavy storms could leave standing water in built-up neighborhoods.
What the Forecasters Are Saying
The forecasters say the storm’s track is still unclear, and they have little certainty about when it might reach land.
The Timeline Ahead
- Tuesday through Thursday: Extreme heat warnings in SoCal through Thursday, heat advisories in central California through Thursday or Friday.
- Friday: Tropical depression forms, Gulf disturbance moves north toward the Panhandle.
- Saturday: Potential landfall along the central Gulf Coast, depending on system strength.
- Sunday: Rain continues in the Gulf region, heat breaks in California.
What Officials Are Asking People To Do
The advice from officials is straightforward. Drink plenty of water, make sure neighbors are okay, and leave the air conditioning on if your home has it.
The weekend offers relief, but it will arrive late.
Source material: “Extreme heat continues out west as tropical disturbance impacts the Gulf Ccoast,” ABC News.
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