LA Heat Wave: Temperatures Soar This Week

Forecast calls for highs reaching the 90s, raising heat concerns

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Los Angeles County is bracing for a significant shift in weather, moving from a cooler start to the week toward a major winter warm-up. Temperatures are expected to climb sharply later this week, with potentially hazardous conditions developing.

Why it matters

The early arrival of 90-degree temperatures in Los Angeles, with February 27 marking the first such day this year, is notable. This is the earliest 90-degree day in Downtown LA in the past five years, and signals a potentially prolonged period of warmer-than-average conditions.

The details

Monday saw a high of 72 degrees, a considerable drop from the 89-degree record high in Newport Beach on Sunday. Tuesday's forecast calls for a high of around 70 degrees with cloudy conditions. Wednesday will see highs around 77 degrees. However, the cooler weather will give way to significantly warmer temperatures on Thursday, with highs reaching the 90s, potentially up to 93 degrees in Downtown Los Angeles. Thursday and Friday are expected to be the hottest days of the week.

  • On Monday, March 9, the high temperature was 72 degrees.
  • On Sunday, March 8, the high temperature in Newport Beach was 89 degrees, breaking the previous record of 84 degrees set in 2004.
  • On Tuesday, March 10, the forecast calls for a high of around 70 degrees.
  • On Wednesday, March 11, the forecast calls for a high of around 77 degrees.
  • On Thursday, March 12, the forecast calls for a high of approximately 93 degrees in Downtown Los Angeles.

The players

Belen De Leon

A meteorologist at NBC Los Angeles.

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What they’re saying

“The early arrival of 90-degree temperatures in Los Angeles, with February 27 marking the first such day this year, is notable. This is the earliest 90-degree day in Downtown LA in the past five years, and signals a potentially prolonged period of warmer-than-average conditions.”

— Belen De Leon, Meteorologist (NBC Los Angeles)

What’s next

Residents are encouraged to consult these LA County resources for heat safety information as the heat wave continues.

The takeaway

The rapid shift from cooler temperatures to a major heat wave in Los Angeles highlights the need for residents to be prepared for extreme weather conditions and take necessary precautions to stay safe during the upcoming heat wave.