A widespread Extreme Cold Watch is in effect across parts of California from late Thursday night through Friday morning, Jan. 8-9, though temperatures will transition to around freezing beginning Wednesday evening.
Cold conditions will be hazardous for people, particularly unhoused populations, as well as for pets and livestock. Sensitive crops and vegetation could be damaged or killed if not protected. Residents are advised to dress in layers, provide warmth and water for animals and cover vulnerable plants.
The chilly temperatures come from a combination of clear skies, long winter nights, and light offshore flow, which allows a shallow “cold lid” to develop near the surface, according to the National Weather Service in San Francisco. Even though higher-altitude air is warmer, this stable layer traps cold air at the ground, particularly in valleys and low-lying areas. Coastal spots will be moderated by the ocean and downslope winds, keeping temps slightly warmer.
Alongside the cold, strong winds are expected through Thursday. Advisory — and warning-level gusts are forecast in the mountains, valleys, and foothills of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. Santa Ana winds will strengthen late Thursday into the weekend, keeping nights chilly in sheltered areas while helping some inland spots warm faster during the day.
Marine and coastal hazards will also be elevated. Northwest swells could produce high surf along the Central Coast, and Small Craft Advisories remain in effect for much of the coastal waters.
How cold will temperatures get?
Temperatures could drop into the upper 20s in Interior Monterey and San Benito counties and the low to mid 30s elsewhere in the watch area, which includes parts of the San Francisco Bay Area, Central Coast, and northern interior California, according to the National Weather Service. The coldest nights will be Thursday night into Friday morning, with conditions gradually moderating over the weekend. Early mornings will remain cool next week, especially in inland valleys.
Alongside the cold, strong winds are expected through Thursday. Advisory — and warning-level gusts are forecast in the mountains, valleys, and foothills of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. Santa Ana winds will strengthen late Thursday into the weekend, keeping nights chilly in sheltered areas while helping some inland spots warm faster during the day.
Marine and coastal hazards will also be elevated. Northwest swells could produce high surf along the Central Coast, and Small Craft Advisories remain in effect for much of the coastal waters.
NOAA graphical maps show nighttime lows in California late Wednesday into early Thursday, Jan. 7-8, 2025.
NOAA graphical maps show nighttime lows in California late Wednesday into early Thursday, Jan. 7-8, 2025.
What is a freeze warning?
A Freeze Warning is issued when surface temperatures are expected to drop below freezing (32 degrees or lower) over a large area for an extended period, regardless of whether frost is expected to form.
A Frost Advisory is issued when frost is likely and when temperatures are forecast to drop to 33-36 degrees with clear skies and calm winds.
A Freeze Watch means there’s potential for widespread freezing temperatures (below or equal to 32 degrees) within the next 24-48 hours.
What is an Extreme Cold Watch?
An Extreme Cold Watch means dangerously cold temperatures or wind chills are possible, but the exact timing, location, or severity is still uncertain. It’s a heads-up to prepare for extreme cold, according to the National Weather Service.
Be ready: Limit time outdoors during the coldest parts of the day.
Check your vehicle: Keep at least half a tank of gas and make sure your winter survival kit is stocked.
Protect yourself and others: Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and make sure someone knows where you are if you must go outside.
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Brandi D. Addison covers weather across the United States as the Weather Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. She can be reached at baddison@gannett.com. Find her on Facebook here.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: California awaits extreme cold. Maps show temperatures by region