Latest news with #Kittell
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Thunderstorms sweep across SoCal, with lightning bringing risk of fire-starts
An unseasonable series of thunderstorms were sweeping across Southern California on Tuesday, bringing with them the potential for fire-starting lightning strikes in areas with limited rainfall. In the Los Angeles area, storms gathered around the San Gabriel Mountains in the morning before descending into urban areas and traveling southwest across the region and along the coast, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Kittell. Every part of L.A. is within earshot of thunder today, he said. The storms have brought significant thunder and lightning but generally have been accompanied by light rainfall, a tenth of an inch or less. "It is kind of a dry lightning setup where you get the lightning that could start a fire but not the rain that would put it out," he said. "Thankfully so far we haven't seen any reports of any fire. We hope it stays that way." In addition to posing the risk of igniting a wildfire, lightning also poses a danger to human and animal health. "Almost 100 people are killed every year from being struck by lightning in this country," said Kittell. "Definitely heed nature's warning call when you hear that thunder and find shelter." Fortunately, the lighter rainfall levels have decreased the risk of a debris flow taking place in the Eaton and Palisades fire burn scars, a possibility forecasters warned of Monday. But the storm system is bringing heavier rains farther inland, and the Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for San Bernardino County, where some areas had collected up three-quarters of an inch of rain by 4:30 p.m. The heaviest rainfall in the Los Angeles region was in higher mountain regions, with Mt. Baldy recording 0.31 inches of rain by 4:30 p.m., Kittell said. Tuesday's storms are a rare occurrence as the Southland typically sees the bulk of its thunderstorms in August and September. "It's really an unusual low pressure system pulling in this moist, tropical air from Mexico," said Kittell. "We just don't see that kind of system move through our area this time of the year." The storms are forecast to continue rolling through Southern California on Tuesday evening before gradually exiting the region by around 10 p.m., Kittell said. Wednesday will also see high humidity and the chance of scattered showers. More typical June weather is forecast to return Thursday, with a marine layer hovering over the coast and moderate temperatures across the Los Angeles County. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Miami Herald
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Miami Herald
A heat wave is hitting Southern California starting Tuesday. Here's where temperatures will soar
LOS ANGELES - Southern California is bracing for a surge of summerlike heat this week, with inland temperatures expected to climb into the 90s and potentially hit triple digits in parts of the San Fernando Valley, according to the National Weather Service. "This will be a noticeable warm-up, especially Tuesday through Thursday," said Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. "Highs between 90 and 100 degrees will be common away from the coast, with a few places possibly reaching record territory." The hottest days are expected to be Wednesday and Thursday and the San Fernando, San Gabriel and Santa Clarita valleys will bear the brunt of the heat in L.A. County. "We're forecasting 100 degrees for the Woodland Hills and Canoga Park area - it's typically our hottest spot," Kittell said. Temperatures are expected to be even more blistering farther inland with a high of 105 degrees forecast in Palm Springs on Thursday, according to the weather service. Coastal areas, which are typically cooled by the ocean breeze, may also flirt with record highs. Los Angeles International Airport is forecast to hit 78 degrees Wednesday, which would match its current "fairly low-hanging fruit" record for May 21, Kittell said. Long Beach Airport is expected to hit 87 degrees, also a potential record-tying high, and Santa Barbara could match its previous historical high of 79 degrees. Although the coast will feel unseasonably warm, Kittell emphasized that the real danger is inland. "That's where we want people to take note and adjust their plans, especially Wednesday and Thursday," he said. People in those areas are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activity from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on high-heat days. There were several heat-related rescues made on hiking trails when temperatures soared in Southern California this month. At least 15 people in Orange County and nine people in Riverside County were rescued May 10 when the mercury rose into the high 90s. In Los Angeles, a hiker had to be airlifted from the Hollywood Hills due to heat exhaustion. Monday was a toasty preview for the rest of the week. Downtown Los Angeles hit 77 degrees, Woodland Hills got to 88 and it was 97 in Palm Springs by 2 p.m. Monday. Despite the dry heat and some localized gusty winds, the National Weather Service has not issued a red flag warning for widespread fire weather danger. "We're still only about a month out of the rainy season, so most of the bigger plants and trees are still relatively green," Kittell said. "But we are flagging some concern for grass fires in especially dry patches." The high-pressure system responsible for this week's heat wave will begin to break down Friday, which, combined with a push of cooler onshore air, will bring temperatures back to the 70s and low 80s for most of L.A. County. Desert areas will remain hot Saturday and Sunday, but the majority of the Southern California will see much milder weather in time for Memorial Day celebrations. "Just wait it out if you can," Kittell said. "Relief is on the way." Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Los Angeles Times
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Los Angeles Times
A heat wave is hitting Southern California starting Tuesday. Here's where temperatures will soar
Southern California is bracing for a surge of summerlike heat this week, with inland temperatures expected to climb into the 90s and potentially hit triple digits in parts of the San Fernando Valley, according to the National Weather Service. 'This will be a noticeable warm-up, especially Tuesday through Thursday,' said Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. 'Highs between 90 and 100 degrees will be common away from the coast, with a few places possibly reaching record territory.' The hottest days are expected to be Wednesday and Thursday and the San Fernando, San Gabriel and Santa Clarita valleys will bear the brunt of the heat in L.A. County. 'We're forecasting 100 degrees for the Woodland Hills and Canoga Park area — it's typically our hottest spot,' Kittell said. Temperatures are expected to be even more blistering farther inland with a high of 105 degrees forecast in Palm Springs on Thursday, according to the weather service. Coastal areas, which are typically cooled by the ocean breeze, may also flirt with record highs. Los Angeles International Airport is forecast to hit 78 degrees Wednesday, which would match its current 'fairly low-hanging fruit' record for May 21, Kittell said. Long Beach Airport is expected to hit 87 degrees, also a potential record-tying high, and Santa Barbara could match its previous historical high of 79 degrees. Although the coast will feel unseasonably warm, Kittell emphasized that the real danger is inland. 'That's where we want people to take note and adjust their plans, especially Wednesday and Thursday,' he said. People in those areas are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activity from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on high-heat days. There were several heat-related rescues made on hiking trails when temperatures soared in Southern California this month. At least 15 people in Orange County and nine people in Riverside County were rescued May 10 when the mercury rose into the high 90s. In Los Angeles, a hiker had to be airlifted from the Hollywood Hills due to heat exhaustion. Monday was a toasty preview for the rest of the week. Downtown Los Angeles hit 77 degrees, Woodland Hills got to 88 and it was 97 in Palm Springs by 2 p.m. Monday. Despite the dry heat and some localized gusty winds, the National Weather Service has not issued a red flag warning for widespread fire weather danger. 'We're still only about a month out of the rainy season, so most of the bigger plants and trees are still relatively green,' Kittell said. 'But we are flagging some concern for grass fires in especially dry patches.' The high-pressure system responsible for this week's heat wave will begin to break down Friday, which, combined with a push of cooler onshore air, will bring temperatures back to the 70s and low 80s for most of L.A. County. Desert areas will remain hot Saturday and Sunday, but the majority of the Southern California will see much milder weather in time for Memorial Day celebrations. 'Just wait it out if you can,' Kittell said. 'Relief is on the way.'
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Showers, cool temperatures linger in Southern California, but a warm-up is on the way
Showers and cooler temperatures continue to linger across Southern California, but officials say a period of warm, dry weather is just around the corner. 'If you're sick of the cold weather, you'll like this week," said Ryan Kittell, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Oxnard. 'This week will definitely be transitioning." A high-pressure system is building across the region, and by Wednesday and Thursday any chance of rain will be in the rear-view mirror, Kittell said. Temperatures will also dramatically climb. 'By the end of the week, we're actually looking at highs in the mid-80s to early 90s," he said. 'Thursday through Sunday, it looks warm." Those highs are expected to be five to 10 degrees above average for this time of year, a flip from the start to the week — when highs are forecast to be several degrees below average. In Los Angeles County, highs Monday and Tuesday are expected to be in the mid-60s to low-70s, Kittell said. On-and-off showers remain possible, following the wet and cold weekend, which brought significant rainfall — and some snow — across the Southland. Rainfall amounts were highest in the Inland Empire, where up to 2 inches of rain fell in the foothills and valleys, according to the National Weather Service. Cal State San Bernardino recorded 1.57 inches, Yucaipa saw a little more than an inch and Riverside Airport got almost a half inch. The San Diego and Orange counties' valleys saw a quarter-inch to three-quarters of an inch of rain. Amounts in most of L.A. County were under a half inch, with Lancaster and Sandberg recording about a tenth of an inch on Sunday, weather service data show. In the mountains, rainfall amounts were slightly higher, while some of the region's highest peaks saw the precipitation turn to snow. The highest elevations in San Bernardino and Riverside counties' mountains saw around an inch of snow, including on Mt. San Jacinto and in the highest points of Big Bear. Any further rainfall Monday and Tuesday is going to be relatively minimal. 'We still have a little bit of rain out there now so those totals could go up a bit,' Kittell said, but it won't be by much. 'Everything's pretty light as far as what we're seeing," Kittell said of the rain, expecting nothing more than a quarter-inch. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Major atmospheric river storm is barreling toward California: 'Prepare for the worst'
A major atmospheric river storm — strong enough to potentially rival some of the extreme storms that have walloped Southern California in recent winters — is barreling toward the coast, raising the specter of damaging landslides and flooding across the region. This storm, forecast to reach Southern California sometime before Valentine's Day, is expected to be the strongest of the winter so far, according to the National Weather Service office in Oxnard. It threatens to drop large amounts of rain — 2 to 4 inches or more along the coast and in valleys, 4 to 8 inches or more in the mountains and foothills — across a swath of the Southland. There's a 60% chance of rainfall of that magnitude in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, and a 30% chance in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. There's also a chance rainfall could be extreme, along the lines of the powerful storm of Jan. 9, 2023, which forced the mass evacuation of Montecito and other communities, caused significant flooding, and resulted in the deaths of two motorists — including a 5-year-old boy — who were caught in floodwaters in San Luis Obispo County. Read more: A perilous paradise: In Montecito, fires, floods and mudflows leave wealthy town in fear "Definitely, people should be prepared that this is going to be the wettest period that we've had so far this rain season — since the fires started," said Ryan Kittell, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Oxnard. "People should prepare for really the worst-case scenario," Kittell said, where heavy rainfall could send mud and debris sliding off hillsides, mucking up roads and possibly colliding into homes and other structures. For Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, the storm could start as early as Tuesday night or as late as Thursday evening, Kittell said. The highest threat is expected to be between Wednesday night and Thursday night. "Certainly, if you are in a vulnerable area around those burn scars, keep track of the weather each day and see how the projections trend and what seems to be the most likely outcome going forward," Kittell said. "Prepare for the worst and hope for the best." Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties could see 12 to 24 hours or more of rainfall, with precipitation coming down at rates between half an inch to an inch or more per hour. Rainfall rates of half an inch or more per hour are capable of causing significant debris flows, in which water can pick up mud, rocks, branches and sometimes massive boulders, traveling at speeds exceeding 35 mph. A rainfall rate in that range "typically does lead to some flooding concerns, especially for the recent burn areas," Kittell said. That includes the burn area of the 2024 Lake fire, which scorched 38,664 acres in the Santa Barbara County mountains north of Los Olivos. As rainfall rates approach 1 inch per hour, flooding can be triggered anywhere, especially on roads and in small creeks, Kittell said. In the extreme rainfall scenario — which has a 20% chance of happening in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, forecasters estimate — there could be 4 to 8 inches of rain on the coast and in the valleys. Read more: Chance of strong atmospheric river storm grows, as does risk of mudslides in L.A. burn scars "Two to 4 [inches of rain] will definitely give us issues, but 4 to 8 would be pretty extreme," Kittell said. "And looking back at some of the projections leading up to some of our recent pretty extreme events over the last few years, if this plays out, then we are looking at totals that would be very close to and approaching Jan. 9, 2023." The big difference, though, is that storm was one of a string of powerful systems that hammered California from late December 2022 through mid-January 2023. This season has been far drier — one of the driest starts to the rainy season in modern California history — "so the impacts will probably be less," Kittell said. For Los Angeles and Ventura counties, besides the 30% chance of large amounts of rain, there's also a 50% chance of moderate amounts. The storm could arrive as early as Wednesday morning or as late as Thursday night. The time of highest threat is Thursday morning to Friday morning — Valentine's Day. A moderate event could cause some road flooding, but the risk of debris flow would be low, though still present, Kittell said. Large amounts of rainfall would result in a "fairly high risk" of producing downpours so intense that all of the region's recent burn areas are at risk for debris flow, Kittell said. Recently burned areas are at risk for landslides in heavy rain, as the soil is no longer anchored by healthy vegetation. Heat from fire makes it harder for soil to absorb water, and ash also tends to clog the soil, so water is more likely to flow along the surface rather than percolating down. The storm is also expected to be strong in the San Joaquin Valley and Sierra foothills, potentially affecting travel along the mountain passes of Kern County, the weather service office in Hanford said. The storm is expected to be far weaker once it reaches San Diego and Orange counties and the Inland Empire, and have a relatively moderate effect in the Sacramento Valley. The Sierra Nevada could see 2 or more feet of snow, and areas around the elevation of Lake Tahoe could see "their largest snow event so far this season," according to the weather service office in Reno. Read more: Record-breaking rain lashes California, with two people killed during storm in Sonoma County The San Francisco Bay Area could be at moderate risk for flooding and tree damage between Wednesday and Friday, the weather service office in Monterey said. The upcoming storm follows heavier-than-expected rainfall from a system that left Southern California on Friday. For the two-day period that ended at 5 p.m. Friday, Santa Monica got 1.26 inches of rain; Beverly Hills, 1.46 inches; Porter Ranch, 1.53 inches; Alhambra, 1.64 inches; downtown L.A., 1.71 inches; East Pasadena, 2.07 inches; and Malibu Hills, 2.5 inches. The mountains in L.A. County saw as much as 3.32 inches of rain. That, combined with the rainfall leading up to Valentine's Day, may be enough for Southern California to end "high fire season" and transition to "low fire season," Kittell said, where vegetation is wet enough that "the risk for any large fires will be fairly small for the rest of the winter into the spring." There will need to be conversations with a number of agencies, including firefighters, before making that determination, "but we're certainly trending in that direction." Read more: California snowpack is below average, but winter storms could change that Downtown L.A. has received about 2 inches of rain since the water year began Oct. 1, almost all of it since late January. The typical average at this point — roughly halfway through the traditional rainy season — is 7.93 inches. The annual average is 14.25 inches. Meteorologists have said that the region needs 2 to 4 inches of rain, widespread, for high fire season to end. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
