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Not only are Peninsulans fortunate to have one of the ideal climates of the world, there is enough variety here to satisfy almost everyone,” said meteorologist Donald Gales of Rolling Hills, author of Wildflowers, Weeds, Wildlife and Weather of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Peninsulans who live in Lunada Bay, Palos Verdes Estates, are likely to experience a different set of conditions that those who live in Miraleste or Rolling Hills! It may be overcast and cool on the coast, but up and over the hill it becomes progressively warmer and sunnier. There may be a temperature difference of as much as 10 degrees.
As an employee of the United States National Weather Service, Gales has been forecasting for over 30 years. Intrigued by the range of weather patterns and variations on the Peninsula, Gales was able to record rainfall as well as daily minimum and maximum temperature readings from strategically located stations manned by dedicated volunteers.
Gales divides the Peninsula into three basic temperature zones. The coast and inland up to an elevation of 500' to 700' has the most fog and low cloudiness and is characterized by cool days and mild nights. The hilltop above the coast shows the most changes between day and night and from day to day. The lower north and east side of the slopes mark the third zone. Because of the lower elevation it is usually warmer and sunnier than the other areas.
Accounting for the differences and uniqueness of the Peninsula, according the Gales is the temperature inversion caused by cool, ocean air trapped underneath the sinking warm air of a high pressure area.
At other similar latitudinal locations, the high atmospheric pressures result in warm, dry desert conditions. We are fortunate to have the marine layer cooling us, Gales explained, but also the respite of warm days in the winter when the Santa Ana winds push the sea air away from the hill. We are not burdened by the humidity inherent in other similar resort locations such as in countries adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea.
Coastal Southern California has been endowed with one of the ideal climates of the world usually with mild days with lots of sunshine yet without oppressive humidity and cool nights! Yet, not only does the Peninsula offer a variety and over-all superior climate, according to Gales, but the seasons are also unique and offer a constantly changing pattern usually in two month increments.
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