Unusual weather moves through Ventura County before major heat arrives
VENTURA, Calif. — Humid conditions, dramatic skies and the threat of thunderstorms made for an unusual September day in Ventura County Tuesday, with forecasters watching for showers and lightning moving in from the south.
The unsettled weather brought a mix of clouds, rain and thunderstorms to parts of the region, while beachgoers and surfers still took advantage of the waves.
“I love the thunderstorm,” said Andrea Giannotti, a Ventura resident who said he also visited Point Mugu Sunday to see the effects of the waves along the coast.
At the beach, residents described the weather as anything but typical.
“Five minutes ago, we saw the lightning strike, but normally you see it coming down. But it was silent,” said Elida Alamo, who lives in Camarillo.
Despite the overcast skies, surfers said they were still able to find good conditions in the water.
“I got a couple of good waves, maybe three foot. The wind came up. Now the wind's dying down a bit,” said Richard van der Wyk of Ventura. “It's completely exotic. Gorgeous day.”
Others said the lightning and dramatic skies made for a memorable afternoon.
“It was very dramatic and there was lightning,” said Rosemary, an avid surfer who lives in Ojai.
The unusual weather comes just before a sharp change in temperatures.
Extreme heat expected Wednesday
Temperatures are expected to climb beginning Wednesday, with an Extreme Heat Warning in effect for parts of the region.
The National Weather Service is warning of potentially dangerous heat and urging people to take precautions, including drinking plenty of fluids, staying in air-conditioned spaces when possible and checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
The sudden swings in weather have caught some Ventura residents off guard.
“It's bizarre to go from having just intense heat to having kind of one second — I'm like this — and the next second I've got my sweatshirt,” said Arnett Smithson, who lives in Ventura.
Health officials say older adults, people without access to air conditioning and those who work outdoors can be especially vulnerable during periods of extreme heat.
Residents are encouraged to limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, stay hydrated and never leave children or pets in unattended vehicles.
After Tuesday's unusual mix of thunderstorms and clouds, Ventura County is heading into a very different weather pattern — with sweltering temperatures expected to take center stage Wednesday.
