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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - More Santa Ana winds whipped through parts of Los Angeles County today, although to a lesser degree than anticipated, but forecasters said more gusty conditions will return later this week along with potentially record heat that'll make for a warm Super Bowl weekend.
The National Weather Service initially issued a high wind warning for Los Angeles County Mountains, excluding the Santa Monica range, that was expected to be in place until 2 p.m., but the warning was downgraded by 9 a.m. to a wind advisory. That advisory was allowed to expire at 2 p.m.
A wind advisory that was previously issued for the coastal region, including downtown Los Angeles, was canceled at 9 a.m. Forecasters said winds had ``decreased below advisory levels, however, isolated gusts to 40 mph are possible,'' mainly in western Los Angeles County.
``Another warm day today (Monday), a trend that will continue through the week and into Super Bowl weekend,'' according to the NWS. ``Highs in the upper 70s to mid 80s today and Tuesday in LA/Ventura Counties and only slightly cooler to the north.
``Our next big offshore push will come Tuesday night into Wednesday with more wind advisories and possibly warnings through Thursday. And along with that another boost in temperatures pushing highs close to record territory.''
Forecasters said ``near-record-high'' temperatures are most likely between Wednesday and Friday, with the gustiest Santa Ana winds anticipated Tuesday night and Thursday.
The NWS has issued an excessive heat watch for the Los Angeles County coastal region stretching into downtown, as well as the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys that will be in effect from Wednesday morning through Friday afternoon. An excessive heat watch will also be in effect for Orange County coastal and inland areas during the same stretch.
Forecasters warned that ``dangerously hot conditions with temperatures up to 90 degrees'' are possible.
``Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,'' according to the NWS. ``... Be prepared to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.''