LOS ANGELES (AP) — While much of the nation is sweltering in heat typical of the worst of summer, Southern California is unusually cool for this time of year.

Even with the annual arrival of “June Gloom” gray skies, temperatures are well off normal highs.

Downtown Los Angeles reached just 67 degrees early Wednesday afternoon, 11 degrees below the normal 78 for the date.

The National Weather Service says the June Gloom pattern will persist across the coast and in coastal valleys through early next week, along with cooler-than-normal temperatures. Forecasters say beaches may remain cloudy through the afternoons.

Gradual warming inland is expected through Friday, but cooling is expected during the weekend.

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