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Scorching Winter Heat Wave to Hit California This Week
Temperatures expected to soar above 90 degrees Fahrenheit across parts of the state
Published on Mar. 10, 2026
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A winter heat wave is set to hit parts of California this week, with temperatures expected to soar above 90 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas. The National Weather Service has forecast highs of 97F in Burbank and Anaheim, and 98F in the Coachella Valley on Thursday. Millions of residents could face a moderate to major heat risk on Thursday and Friday.
Why it matters
The high temperatures will create a risk for vulnerable residents and could put stress on health systems and businesses in southern California. The NWS HeatRisk map shows that 16.8 million people in the region are expected to be impacted by a moderate risk on Thursday, particularly around Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oxnard and Santa Barbara. Another 424,000 people will be impacted by a major heat risk, which affects "anyone without cooling-hydration as well as health systems and industries."
The details
On Wednesday, high temperatures of 84 are forecast to hit Death Valley and Thermal, while highs of 83 are expected in Imperial and Palm Springs. Conditions will get hotter on Thursday, with highs of around 90 in Palm Spring, 89 in Thermal and Death Valley, and 85 in Hemet and Burbank. On Friday, Los Angeles will face highs of 96, while Anaheim and Burbank will hit 97. Elsewhere, Thermal is forecast to see highs of 98, while Palm Springs and Imperial are expected to see highs of 96 and 95, respectively.
- On Wednesday, high temperatures are forecast.
- On Thursday, temperatures are expected to be even hotter.
- On Friday, temperatures will remain high with Los Angeles reaching 96 degrees.
The players
National Weather Service
The National Weather Service is a government agency that provides weather forecasts and warnings for the United States.
The takeaway
This winter heat wave in California highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events due to climate change, and the need for communities to be prepared to protect vulnerable populations during periods of dangerously high temperatures.
