Temperatures will gradually warm across Southern California over the Fourth of July weekend, though many areas are expected to remain near or slightly below normal through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
Inland areas will see the biggest increase in temperatures over the holiday weekend, while coastal communities will remain relatively mild, meteorologists said. Saturday, the Fourth of July, is expected to bring much the same weather, with warm inland temperatures, cooler weather along the coast and typical afternoon breezes.
In Los Angeles County, coastal areas are expected to remain in the 70s through the holiday weekend, while many valley communities will generally stay in the low to mid-80s. Temperatures will continue climbing each day, though most valleys aren’t expected to reach the 90s until early next week, said NWS meteorologist Ryan Kittell. Afternoon winds are expected to range from 10 to 20 mph along the coast and 20 to 30 mph in the mountains and deserts.
In Orange County, temperatures are expected to remain in the 70s through the holiday weekend, said NWS meteorologist Sebastian Westerink. Inland areas of Riverside and San Bernardino counties are expected to reach the upper 80s to low 90s, with some locations topping out around 91 degrees. Westerink said Saturday breezes are expected to range from 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph in wind-prone areas.
Despite the warming trend, meteorologists said fire weather conditions will remain seasonably elevated because grasses have dried out, but they aren’t expecting unusually dangerous weather over the busy holiday weekend.
“The grasses have dried out and are ready to burn, but the good thing is the winds are expected to drop out,” Kittell said. “We’re labeling it as seasonably elevated fire weather conditions. Everyone needs to be careful, but it’s not abnormal conditions. Be careful of anything that could start a fire.”
Westerink said the weather pattern is typical for early July.
“Fire conditions are somewhat elevated at all times because of the afternoon sea breeze, but nothing extraordinary,” he said.
Temperatures are expected to continue warming into early next week, with more valley communities reaching the 90s as the marine layer becomes shallower and morning clouds clear more quickly.
Beachgoers can expect typical conditions over the holiday weekend, with surf generally around 2 to 4 feet and occasional sets reaching 4 to 5 feet in Orange County. A moderate rip current risk is expected.
“Be wary when you’re in the water,” Westerink said. “Rip currents can happen any time.”
Fourth of July forecast highs
- Downtown Los Angeles: 80
- Fullerton: 82
- Long Beach: 76
- Mission Viejo: 79
- Newport Beach: 72
- Redlands: 92
- Riverside: 90
- San Bernardino: 92
- San Fernando Valley: 86
- Torrance: 73
- Van Nuys: 84
- Whittier: 83
Source: National Weather Service