Southern California Swelters as Gulf Depression Nears Hurricane

· Climate · United States

An unprecedented heatwave gripped southern California, boosting temperatures 15 to 20 degrees above normal for autumn, with several cities shattering records for the time of year and extreme heat warnings in place along the coast. Separately, Tropical Depression Nine was predicted to become the Atlantic season's first hurricane, potentially the latest first hurricane to develop in over a century, with a possible US landfall on Saturday. The system was located Tuesday afternoon in the Gulf. Scientists noted the first hurricane of the season has not formed this late since 1905.

Why it matters：Simultaneous record heat and an unusually late hurricane highlight how climate change is intensifying and shifting extreme weather, with direct risks for millions.

Key points

  • Southern California temperatures ran 15 to 20 degrees above normal, with cities breaking records.
  • Tropical Depression Nine could become the season's first hurricane, with possible US landfall Saturday.
  • The first hurricane has not formed this late since 1905.

Sources (original reporting)

More stories from this day