Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
A Weird Reverse 'May Gray' Is Keeping Inland L.A. Cloudier Than Usual
Vista Del Mar Park (Photo by howard-f via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)
()
An unusual weather pattern is causing cool, foggy weather to stick around parts of Los Angeles longer than it typically does.While early morning cloud cover across L.A. is pretty typical for this time of year, lately that marine layer—or "May Gray," if you prefer—has been hanging around further inland, especially around the foothills of the mountains and in valleys, according to KPCC. That cloudy marine layer normally comes in from the ocean in the morning, heads toward the mountains and then recedes. But in recent weeks, we're seeing the opposite, where the marine layer disappears near the shore, but the clouds linger inland. And according to the pros over at the National Weather Service, this atypical weather pattern is called “reverse clearing.”
This funky reverse "May Gray" is apparently caused by an atypical low pressure system that's hanging out over Southern California, which is helping the marine layer to become taller and heavier than usual. In some cases, those clouds are stretching twice as high, somewhere around 4,000 feet. As a result, these heavy clouds are piling up near the mountains and are harder to disperse, except where steady ocean breezes clear them out along the coast.
Here's a handy visual to help you picture what's happening:
Good example of "Reverse Clearing". Clearing at beaches staying cloudy inland. Common with deep marine layer. #cawx pic.twitter.com/hj7IGr3eEd
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) May 15, 2016
Support for LAist comes from
So, while this reverse marine layer is not really cause to panic, it does help to understand just why you aren't always seeing those bright, blue skies as you cruise around parts of the city. Besides, it may give a bit of respite from what might otherwise be toasty afternoons inland, while at the same time offering crystal clear conditions when you hit the beach. Then again, it could all change sooner than we think.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts. -
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
-
The weather’s been a little different lately, with humidity, isolated rain and wind gusts throughout much of Southern California. What’s causing the late-summer bout of gray?
-
Hexavalent chromium is the same carcinogen Erin Brockovich warned about in the 1990s, but researchers say more study is needed on the potential health effects of nanoparticles detected earlier this year. Experts will answer questions at a webinar this evening.
-
The budget gap has led to a tuition hike, along with spending cuts and fewer course offerings. At the same time, generative AI already has transformed higher ed — including post-grad job prospects.
-
The construction work is part of a $143.7 million plan to rehabilitate pavement between Van Nuys and Westwood along the Sepulveda Pass.
Best of LAist