Southern California’s intense October heat wave is officially coming to an end as a major weather shift takes over the region.
The October heat wave is over
According to KTLA 5, the extreme heat that pushed afternoon highs to 95°F—a full 15°F above average for October—is finally fading.
High pressure is exiting east, making way for an incoming low-pressure trough. Regional temperatures are already cooling down significantly under mostly clear skies with light 5 mph west-northwest winds.
Current regional temperatures:
- Downtown Los Angeles: 70°F
- Santa Ana: 73°F
- Fullerton: 75°F
- Corona: 76°F
- Burbank: 79°F
- Ontario / Riverside: 80°F
- Palm Springs: 93°F
Most extreme heat warnings across Southern California have expired. However, excessive heat warnings remain active for desert areas along the I-10 corridor, Cabazon, and Palm Springs.
Elevated daytime highs and warm overnight temperatures are sustaining the heat in these specific zones.
Tropical storm ‘Rachel’ arrives Sunday
This cooling trend connects directly to multiple waves of energy interacting with the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel.
The storm recently downgraded from a hurricane and took a slightly more southerly track than earlier projections. This shift modestly reduced the overall expected rainfall totals.
The remnants will make landfall and break down by Sunday at 12:00 AM (midnight). This storm event officially opens the region’s new water season.
You can expect guaranteed measurable rain. General accumulations will range from 0.25 inches up to nearly 2 inches in certain areas. The rain will be an extended event lasting several hours rather than a fast-moving shower.
Gusty winds and high-elevation snow
Expect strong, gusty winds to accompany the rain. The heaviest gusts will hit the low desert areas.
Winter is also arriving early for the local mountains. Snow levels will initially start high at around 10,000 feet. The main cold core of the system moves over the area on Tuesday.
When it arrives, snow levels will drop to 7,000 to 8,000 feet. This brings potential snowfall directly to local mountain resort elevations.
