A very interesting day weather-wise, with plenty to talk about. The heat inland continues, but we are returning to more normal temperatures. Fog was hanging over some beaches throughout the day as the marine layer strengthened. Finally, the monsoon current strengthened, resulting in scattered thunderstorms. Heat warnings are expected to drop heading into Sunday, but temperatures may necessitate a warning or two in the warmest inland areas. Monsoon chances will decrease overnight as the atmosphere cools, but scattered thunderstorms are possible again on Sunday. Conditions around the Lake Fire are improving as the heat subsides, but winds may become choppy with scattered thunder and dry lightning. This means firefighters are very busy, remaining vigilant, and trying to further contain the very large fire.
Looking ahead, we will have a mild and mild mid-July pattern for the next week. Inland areas will see cooler than normal temperatures with highs likely to stay in the 90s Fahrenheit. Coastal areas will continue to see a strong and persistent marine layer with coastal highs in the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit. Winds will pick up in the afternoon in and around the Lake Fire area but will stay below warning levels. The good news is that overnight humidity levels will also increase in parts of the fire area, helping to tame the flames overnight. Smoke will be moving south and east, occasionally veering west. Everyone should monitor air quality and be cautious if there is ash or smells smoke. Our long-range forecast models are a bit divided on what to expect for the second half of next week. The heat could return or it could remain as it is now. Summer usually means heat waves come and go. We will update our forecast through Sunday to see if any further heat advisories are needed for the second half of next week. In the meantime, enjoy the overall cooling trend and the return of the marine layer.
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