Warm ocean temperatures linked to El Niño are increasing the likelihood that a tropical system will reach Southern California during the upcoming holiday weekend, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.
Meteorologists are currently monitoring an unnamed disturbance moving northward through the Pacific. Projections differ on its future path, with some indicating a close approach to the coast while others show it remaining farther offshore.
Should the system arrive, residents could face heavy rainfall, strong gusts and elevated surf conditions through the Labor Day period.
The National Weather Service has issued a high probability of large waves and dangerous rip currents for beaches on Monday. South-facing shorelines carry a moderate risk of coastal flooding, while the chance of widespread heavy rain or strong offshore winds remains low.
Uncertainty persists because the various computer models diverge significantly in their predictions for the disturbance's track and intensity.
This report is based on coverage by ABC7 Los Angeles: https://abc7.com/story/tropical-system-could-bring-rain-wind-high-surf-southern-california-labor-day-weekend/19773028/