Southern California is experiencing a heatwave as summer kicks off, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees in desert communities. Los Angeles and Orange counties will see a high of 88 degrees with a slight chance of showers. Cooler temperatures are expected at the beaches, while mountain communities will enjoy sunshine and warm temperatures.
A high-pressure system will push temperatures upward in Southern California, bringing triple-digit heat to some areas over the weekend. The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory and excessive heat watch for various regions. Health officials urge residents to stay hydrated, check on vulnerable individuals, and utilize cooling centers. Air quality officials also issued an ozone advisory due to anticipated unhealthy air conditions.
Tourists and locals alike are enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime experience as over a dozen blue whales have been spotted along the Southern California coast this week. The increase in sightings is attributed to cooler than average temperatures and an abundance of krill. Visitors to Newport Beach, Long Beach, and other coastal areas are advised to keep their eyes on the horizon for a chance to witness these magnificent creatures up close.
Southern California will experience persistent May Gray throughout the week, resulting in a cool and cloudy weather pattern. Temperatures will remain in the 60s and 70s, with a slight dip on Friday and a chance of drizzle. Inland areas will see temperatures around 75 degrees, while coastal regions will reach a high of 64 degrees. The mountains will be chilly with a high of 64 degrees, and the deserts will experience sunshine and winds with a high of 83 degrees.
A concerning number of pelicans have been discovered in distress across Southern California. Over 180 sick and starving birds have been admitted to wildlife centers, with many more reported dead. The Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach has admitted 180 brown pelicans, many of which are severely underweight, anemic, and dehydrated. Despite the abundance of marine life off the Pacific Coast, these pelicans are malnourished and facing a crisis. Organizations like Bird Rescue and the Wildlife Care Center are working tirelessly to care for these birds and address their injuries, which often include fishing gear entanglement.
Union Pacific Railroad has introduced a new domestic intermodal service that promises to reduce transit times from Southern California to Chicago to just three days. The service will operate daily between City of Industry, California, and Global 2 in Northlake, Illinois, beginning on April 28.
Unpicked fruit trees are a common sight in Southern California, but is it ever acceptable to take fruit without permission? This question has sparked debate among residents, with some arguing that the fruit is fair game and others emphasizing the importance of respecting private property.
Numerous high schools across Southern California have achieved academic excellence in baseball and softball, with many teams earning impressive GPAs and posting strong academic performances. Here are the top performers in each sport:
Southern California’s once-abundant steelhead trout population has been pushed to the brink of extinction due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and urbanization. Last week, California’s Fish and Game Commission voted to list the fish as endangered, a move that advocates hope will accelerate conservation efforts. Despite its precarious status, small populations of steelhead trout continue to return to certain Southern California rivers and streams, providing hope for their recovery.
A $12 billion high-speed rail line project between Southern California and Las Vegas is set to begin construction, with officials aiming for a 2028 launch. The line, operated by Brightline, is expected to reduce pollution and cut travel time between the two regions to two hours. The project has received significant federal funding and is intended to jumpstart the development of a high-speed rail network in the United States.
