California's Heat Wave Takes an Unusual Turn: Record-Breaking Humidity Sweeps the State
Southern California has experienced record-breaking humidity levels in recent days, surpassing even those of Florida. According to weather expert Colin McCarthy, Los Angeles reached a dew point of nearly 70 degrees on Thursday, making it one of the most humid places in America.
The average dew point was around 70°F (21°C) at LAX, described by McCarthy as 'brutal humidity'. Meteorologist Ben Noll noted that LA's dew point actually reached as high as 73 degrees, with other parts of Southern California hitting a whopping 81 degrees.
Noll compared the humidity to that of the Amazon rainforest, stating it is 'comparable' and possibly the highest value on record. The stickier conditions are attributed to an unusually warm Pacific Ocean evaporating more moisture, as well as a heat dome in the Southwest U.S. causing winds to pull moist tropical air into the Los Angeles area.
Residents have been feeling the effects of the humidity, with some describing it as 'more humid than usual'. An extreme heat warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. Friday, with temperatures potentially reaching up to 102 degrees.