Latest news with #RyanKittell
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.
Newsweek
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Pet Warning Issued in California
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists are urging people in Southern California to not leave their pets unattended in vehicles as temperatures surge into triple digits on Tuesday. Why It Matters The NWS office in Los Angeles issued a heat advisory in place from 11 a.m. local time on Tuesday morning through 9 p.m. on Thursday evening as a heat wave brings unseasonably warm temperatures to the region. The high temperatures come as the same region issued heat advisories earlier this month. Texas also has been facing above-average temperatures for this time of year, prompting an extreme heat warning last week when the Austin area was hotter than Death Valley, California, which is frequently referred to as the hottest place on Earth. What to Know Earlier this week, NWS Los Angeles warned of a mid-week heat wave that was likely to peak on Wednesday and Thursday. Temperatures are expected to hit 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Tuesday and remain high through Thursday. The abnormally high temperatures have prompted meteorologists to issue a reminder to pet owners that they should never leave their pets unattended in a vehicle. A stock image of a panting dog. A stock image of a panting dog. eldadcarin/Getty "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Do not leave people or pets in closed vehicles," the advisory said. Areas included in the advisory are Calabasas and Agoura Hills, Eastern San Fernando Valley, Eastern Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, Western San Fernando Valley, Western Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, Santa Clarita Valley, Southern Salinas Valley, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Ynez Mountains Western Range, Santa Ynez Mountains Eastern Range, Santa Barbara County Interior Mountains, Lake Casitas, Ojai Valley, Central Ventura County Valleys, Los Angeles County Inland Coast including downtown Los Angeles, Southeastern Ventura County Valleys, Santa Susana Mountains, and the San Gabriel Valley. To protect pets from hot weather, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) urges pet owners to keep an eye out for symptoms their pet might be overheating, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or collapse. "Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees," the report said. Pet owners also should be cognizant of hot asphalt and not let their pets linger on the scalding surfaces. NWS Los Angeles meteorologist Ryan Kittell told Newsweek that average high temperatures for this time of year vary between 70 and 83 degrees depending on the area. "We are about 10 to 15 degrees above, with a few spots above or below that range," he said. Kittell urged people in the heat advisory areas to limit their outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. each day the advisory is in place. What People Are Saying NWS Los Angeles in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday: "An extended period of hot weather and increased risk for large grass fires Tue-Fri away from the coast. There will be a moderate risk of heat illness, especially for sensitive individuals, those without air conditioning, and those doing outdoor activities." The ASPCA in a report on pet safety during hot weather: "When it's hot or humid outdoors as pets can get dehydrated quickly. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them and keep them indoors when it's extremely hot." What Happens Next The worst of the heat wave will pass by Thursday night. However, the NWS Climate Prediction Center anticipates that there is a slight chance for above-average temperatures across much of California in the coming weeks, according to its six- to 10-day temperature outlook. The outlook is valid for May 25 to May 29.
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.
