Summer solstice begins, but June gloom remains in L.A.

The summer solstice, the official arrival of the season, began about 4 p.m. Wednesday, and officials with the National Weather Service said inland portions of the Los Angeles area did experience a bit warmer temperatures.

But meteorologists warned that residents might not want to break out the bathing suits just yet.

The summer solstice, which marks the first day of summer for the Northern Hemisphere, means that the sun will stay out the longest today. Desert communities such as Lancaster are already feeling the heat, according to weather service meteorologist Todd Hall, who said the city hit 103 degrees Wednesday.

But for areas closer to the coast, June gloom is very much still in play, he said. A persistent marine layer has kept temperatures in the 60s and 70s, and residents should not expect that to change until around July 4, he said.

After that, he said, the Southland will start to see heat waves -- just in time for barbecues and pool parties.

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-- Matt Stevens
twitter.com/mattstevenslat