California wakes this Sunday morning to calm skies and crisp air across the Los Angeles Basin, but the day ahead brings a quick warm-up that feels more like early fall than mid-December. By sunrise, downtown temperatures sit near 52°, but bright sun will lift readings sharply into the 70s before noon.
According to the National Weather Service, East L.A. and surrounding valleys will continue heating through Tuesday with highs nearing 81°, around 10 degrees above seasonal averages. Winds remain light from the northwest this morning before turning southwest later in the day, adding a dry, comfortable breeze for those out decorating or driving.
Travelers on I-10 and U.S. 101 should experience clear roads and excellent visibility, though warm pavement and dry air will enhance smog formation—an issue already prompting an Air Quality Alert across the metro area. Officials advise minimizing outdoor exertion during peak afternoon hours, especially for sensitive groups.
Heading into Monday and Tuesday, sunshine holds steady, and daytime warmth peaks early in the week before a modest cooling trend returns by Thursday. Nights stay mild, dipping only into the mid-50s under clear skies—ideal for evening walks or outdoor dining.
Farther east, meteorologists continue tracking a developing Arctic pattern that could deliver heavy snow and below-freezing air across the Great Lakes and Midwest between Dec. 11–17, signaling the nation’s next winter shift.
For Southern California, however, the theme remains warmth and calm—a short-lived December reprieve before cooler Pacific systems arrive mid-month.
Five-Day Outlook (Sun–Thu):
• Today: Sunny, near 73°.
• Monday: Sunny, high 78°.
• Tuesday: Sunny, high 81°.
• Wednesday: Clear, high 80°.
• Thursday: Sunny, high 77°.
