Southern California had its third consecutive day of record-setting hot weather Sunday, but the National Weather Service said the midwinter heat wave is about over.
Los Angeles was the hottest spot in the 48 contiguous states, with a Civic Center reading of 87 degrees. That temperature also broke the Jan. 12 record of 84 degrees (set in 1928), while San Diego's Lindbergh Field reported a high of 82, which topped the old mark of 80 (also set in 1928).
Relative humidity in downtown Los Angeles ranged from 33% overnight to just 13% by mid-afternoon as dry Santa Ana winds continued to blow in from the desert, but meteorologists said the air will be both damper and cooler today.
A few high clouds dappled Sunday's skies with little effect except to lend perspective, but the Weather Service said the clouds will lower and thicken overnight--and the winds will stop blowing from the east.