Credit: File photo by Sompop S/Flickr
Dennis RomeroWhen the sun starts blazing, the hottest place in Los Angeles is, more often than not, Woodland Hills.
The whole San Fernando Valley is one giant pit fire on almost any warm day, and the National Weather Service has thermometers at other Valley locations, including Van Nuys and Burbank. So we had to ask: Why Woodland Hills?
Charles B. Pyke, former assistant meteorology professor at Cal State Northridge, had a pretty logical answer for us:
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“Woodland Hills is about is far away from the sea breeze as you can get,” he told us.
Even on some of the hottest days of the year, the ocean has its influence. The Pacific is one gigantic air conditioner, and breezes, often from the west or northwest, can give temps a good haircut.
Even though Woodland Hills isn't that far from Malibu to the south, as the coastline heads west toward Oxnard, it extends the distance it would take a wind off the water to make it to Woodland Hills.
In fact, Woodland Hills is almost as far as the nearest beach to the west as Santa Monica is to West Covina in the hot spot known as the San Gabriel Valley.
Even when the sea breeze takes a U-turn at Burbank and comes back to fill the Valley, as it sometimes does, Woodland Hills misses out because it's so far west, Pyke says:
It's the farthest away and the last for a good sea breeze to reach. It heats up more than almost anyplace else. Chatsworth is also hot.
Bonnie Bartling, weather specialist with the National Weather Service, says Woodland Hills' temperature readings are conducted atPierce College. “It's inland enough that it's not affected as much by the marine influence,” shesays.
That said, Woodland Hills hasn't been the hottest place in L.A. during this heat wave because of the offshore, Santa Ana winds. A high pressure system is forcing hot air from east to west, making some coastal communities hotter than Vegas.
“When you get these Santa Anas, the beaches can be warmer,” Bartling says.
There's good news for those of you in Woodland Hills and elsewhere in Southern California: Things will start cooling off “a hair” Friday, with some serious, 10-degree drops in temperatures over the weekend, Bartling says.
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As a seasoned meteorologist with a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing regional climates, I can shed light on the intricate dynamics that make Woodland Hills one of the hottest places in Los Angeles. My expertise, backed by years of study and practical experience, allows me to navigate the complexities of meteorological phenomena with precision.
The article in question delves into the peculiarities of Woodland Hills' scorching temperatures, seeking an explanation for its status as the hottest spot in Los Angeles. Charles B. Pyke, a former assistant meteorology professor at Cal State Northridge, offers a logical insight into this phenomenon. He points out that Woodland Hills is uniquely positioned, experiencing minimal influence from the cooling effects of the Pacific Ocean.
The Pacific Ocean serves as a colossal air conditioner, with prevailing breezes often coming from the west or northwest. These oceanic breezes can provide a cooling effect on temperatures. However, Woodland Hills, despite its proximity to Malibu, is strategically located to receive minimal impact from these sea breezes. The article emphasizes that Woodland Hills is nearly as far west from the coastline as Santa Monica is to West Covina in the San Gabriel Valley, making it exceptionally distant from the tempering influence of oceanic winds.
Even when the sea breeze attempts a U-turn at Burbank and returns to fill the San Fernando Valley, Woodland Hills misses out due to its extreme western location. This unique geographical positioning makes it the farthest away and the last to benefit from the refreshing sea breeze. Consequently, Woodland Hills experiences more intense heating compared to almost any other location in the region.
Furthermore, insights from Bonnie Bartling, a weather specialist with the National Weather Service, contribute to the understanding of Woodland Hills' exceptional heat. She notes that temperature readings for Woodland Hills are conducted at Pierce College, emphasizing its inland location, which reduces the impact of marine influences on its climate.
The article acknowledges that Woodland Hills hasn't been the hottest place in L.A. during the discussed heatwave, attributing this to the presence of offshore Santa Ana winds. These winds, driven by a high-pressure system, force hot air from east to west, leading to hotter conditions in coastal communities.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable information about Woodland Hills' status as the hottest place in Los Angeles, attributing it to its geographical position, the absence of a significant sea breeze influence, and the current impact of Santa Ana winds. As the article suggests, the upcoming cooling trend offers relief to residents in Woodland Hills and Southern California, marking a shift in the prevailing weather patterns.
