Record Western Heat Poised to Break

While levels are not expected to reach critical levels, they will climb into the moderate range during the afternoon and evening hours in a large part of central and southern California and in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

Image: Accuweather.com

(STATE COLLEGE, Pa.) - AccuWeather.com reports record highs were set at a number of locations in California and other parts of the West Monday and more will topple during the first half of National Ozone Week. However, a major pattern change is on the way for the West.

Temperatures surged into the 90s and low 100s over a large part of California Monday. The temperature reached 103 degrees at Santa Ana, shattering the old record of 91 set in 1986. San Diego reached 98 degrees, breaking their old record of 93 set over 100 years ago, in 1899.

The Bay Area got in on the action as well with San Francisco reaching 93 degrees, destroying their old record of 84 set in 1986.

The system responsible for the heat will break down over the second half of the week. A wind shift from the cool Pacific Ocean will stop the hot flow of air from the east. In the Northwest, clouds will accompany the change with spotty showers.

For much of the West Coast states today will be the last of the current heat wave. Interior areas, such as Las Vegas and Phoenix, the heat will ease Thursday and Friday.

Before the cooling arrives, a build-up of ozone will continue in some areas. While levels are not expected to reach critical levels, they will climb into the moderate range during the afternoon and evening hours in a large part of central and southern California and in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

At this level, sensitive individuals, elderly and people with respiratory problems can experience difficulties.

Showers expected in the Northwest at midweek will not reach the Southland or the Deserts, as the storm takes aim more at the central and northern Plains and northern Rockies.