California's Year Without a Summer
In fleece and hats, visitors brave cool temperatures and brisk wind as the overcast moves in at 2 p.m. at the historic pier in Santa Monica, Calif., Friday, Aug. 13, 2010. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
It continues to be the summer that never came for many of the coastal areas of California.
AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said that the closer you get to the ocean, the more likely you are to see below-average temperatures for much of Southern California.
Rayno said an excellent example of this phenomena is Santa Ana, Calif. Less than 20 miles from the beach, Santa Ana typically sees high temperatures of about 84 degrees in the month of August. So far this month, Santa Ana has only had two days crack the 80-degree mark: Aug. 3 and Aug. 17.
Overall, the average overall temperature for Santa Ana is typically in the mid 70s in August. So far this month, temperatures have been almost 4 degrees below that average.
The trend of cooler-than-normal temperatures continues in downtown Los Angeles. Here the average daily temperatures typically hit 75 or 76 F. So far this August, the average temperature has been about 4 degrees lower.
Highs for Los Angeles in August can typically be found in the mid-80s. Only about half of the high temperatures recorded so far this month have climbed into the 80s.
The reports from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) show an even more significant departure from the norm in terms of temperature this month.
The average temperatures recorded at LAX in August are usually in the low-70s. However, the average temperature this month has been almost 6.5 degrees cooler. Only five days this month have been 70 degrees or hotter.
A La Nina weather pattern has caused cooler water temperatures in the Pacific, which in turn lead to cooler-than-normal temperatures on the beaches.
Rayno also noted that it does not seem like this cool weather pattern will be changing any time soon.
Downtown Los Angeles' forecast for the upcoming week indicates that the highs will remain in the low 80s, rather than climbing to their average high temperature of 85 F.
Farther south, San Diego continues its trend of cool temperatures this summer as well. San Diego saw temperatures almost 4 degrees below normal in June, almost 5 degrees below normal in July and so far this August, has recorded temperatures almost 6 degrees below normal.
On average in August, San Diego sees high temperatures of of 77 or 78 degrees. Only Aug. 17 has recorded a temperature that high so far this month. There have been five days this August when temperatures failed to even rise into the 70s.
AccuWeather.com Expert Senior Meteorologist and West Coast resident Ken Clark said much of this cool weather can be attributed to the La Nina weather pattern that moved in this spring.
According to Clark, La Nina typically means cooler water in the Pacific, which leads to cooler temperatures just onshore.
Related to the story:
Follow us on Twitter Breaking Weather
Western Weather with Ken Clark
More Weather News
-
Memorial Day Weekend Heat Wave
May 23, 2012; 7:48 PM ET
Break out the fans and air conditioners and get the pools ready as a heat wave is poised for portions of the Midwest and mid-Atlantic this Memorial Day weekend.
-
Severe Storm Threat Wisconsin to Nebraska
May 23, 2012; 7:47 PM ET
Locally damaging storms will shift farther to the east and south in the Midwest into tonight.
-
.jpg)
Southwest Winds Elevate Fire Risk, Threaten Blowing Dust
May 23, 2012; 7:46 PM ET
High winds will slam portions of California and the Desert Southwest late this week, bringing the already high fire threat to extreme levels and ushering in cooler air.
-
Bud to Strengthen into a Hurricane in the Eastern Pacific
May 23, 2012; 7:45 PM ET
Bud may become the first hurricane of the season in the eastern Pacific, brushing the central Mexico coast with rain as it passes by.
-
Big Storms from Carolinas to the Delmarva
May 23, 2012; 7:43 PM ET
As a disturbance rolls slowly northeastward, thunderstorms from portions of the Carolinas to the Delmarva can be especially nasty into this evening.
-
Chile Drought May Be Dented by Rainstorm
May 23, 2012; 7:40 PM ET
A major rainstorm may be in the offing for drought-hit central and mid-southern Chile, including the nation's biggest population centers.
-
Everest Death Toll 4 from Weekend Rush
May 23, 2012; 7:38 PM ET
Another Everest climber was found dead this morning, bringing the weekend death toll to four, with one climber still missing.
-
India Heat Wave as Monsoon Eagerly Awaited
May 23, 2012; 7:35 PM ET
Sweltering heat, the hottest of 2012 in some areas, has spread discomfort across the Indian subcontinent, spurring anticipation of the coming rainy season
-
Still Rebuilding One Year After The Joplin, Mo., Tornado
May 23, 2012; 7:33 PM ET
-
East Daily Downpours This Week
May 23, 2012; 7:32 PM ET
A stalled weather pattern will bring a daily dose of disruptive downpours from portions of Florida to New England.
Daily U.S. Extremes
past 24 hours
| Extreme | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| High | 100° | Wink, TX |
| Low | 29° | Mullan Pass, ID |
| Precip | 1.17" | Chapel Hill, NC |
WeatherWhys®
People need to pay close attention to the UV index during this time of year. On a sunny day late in the spring and into the summer, the UV is usually at least an 8, which is very high. Readings over 11 are considered extreme values in which only 10 minutes of full exposure to the sun will produce a sunburn.
This Day In Weather History
New Hampshire (1814)
A tornado crossed Merrimac, Litchfield, Londonderry and North Chester. The same storm produced hailstones that had an 11-inch circumference and weighed 1/2 pound.
Northeast (1989)
More rain in an already wet month. Monthly totals topped 11 inches at New York City, 9 inches at Bridgeport, Conn., and 8 inches at Baltimore (all three totals set records for May).
Rough Weather
.jpg)
Comments
Comments left here should adhere to the AccuWeather.com Community Guidelines. Profanity, personal attacks, and spam will not be tolerated.