(CLAIR) – In the heart of Simi Valley’s Texas Tract, the Johnson family is adapting to the unusually cold weather that has swept across Southern California. As temperatures plunged to a chilling 32 degrees early on January 12, the Johnsons, like many others in the region, faced a winter reality seldom seen in these parts.
The cold wave, which brought temperatures down by 15 to 20 degrees compared to the previous weekend, resulted from a cold storm from Canada. This storm, as the National Weather Service reports, has introduced not only cooler air but also the possibility of snow in the local mountains. This dramatic shift in weather is a departure from the drier conditions typically experienced in our area.
“It’s like nothing we’ve ever seen before,” says Mark Johnson, a lifelong resident of the Texas Tract neighborhood. “We’re used to mild winters, but this is a whole new level of cold for us.”
The Johnsons, a family of four, have found themselves bundling up more than usual, keeping their fireplace burning, and checking their home’s insulation to cope with the biting cold. Their children, aged 10 and 13, have taken a particular interest in the changing weather, eagerly anticipating the small possibility of a dusting of snow in their backyard.
Meteorologists warn that this “really cold system” could bring temperatures 10 to 20 degrees below the norm for this season. The winter storm watch for Ventura County mountains has cautioned residents about strong winds and potential travel hazards.
“This is a time for preparation,” advises Sarah Johnson, a teacher at a local elementary school. “We’re making sure our family stays warm and our home is prepared for any power outages or other emergencies.”
With predictions from the Farmers’ Almanac suggesting a colder, wetter, and snowier season ahead, the Johnson family, like others in Simi Valley, is bracing for a winter unlike anything they’ve seen in recent years. This includes taking measures to ensure safe travel to and from school and work, and backup heating heating, as well as staying informed with the latest weather forecasts.
Despite the challenges posed by this cold snap, the Johnsons remain optimistic. “It’s an opportunity for us to come together as a family and community,” Mark adds. “We’re talking with our neighbors, sharing information, and finding joy in the simple things like hot cups of cocoa.
