Southern California Braces for Unseasonable Heat Wave

Temperatures expected to reach the 90s, breaking records across the region

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:18pm

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With spring still a week away, Southern California is already experiencing a winter heat wave, with forecasters predicting temperatures in the mid-90s around Los Angeles. The unseasonably hot weather is expected to last through Thursday and Friday, with the hottest day being Thursday when the mercury could hit 93 degrees in downtown LA and 95 degrees in the San Fernando Valley.

Why it matters

The winter heat wave poses a risk for heat-related illnesses, especially for outdoor workers and those without access to air conditioning. Officials are urging residents to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities during the daytime to avoid the worst of the heat.

The details

The high temperatures are being caused by a combination of high pressure and a lack of cooling winds from the Pacific Ocean. Workers at outdoor construction sites will have access to extra water and electrolyte packets, and will be instructed to take frequent breaks. Los Angeles city and county officials are also planning to open cooling centers for residents without air conditioning.

  • The hottest day is expected to be Thursday, March 14, 2026.
  • Temperatures are forecast to be around 20 degrees warmer than normal for mid-March on Thursday and Friday.

The players

Bryan Lewis

A meteorologist at the National Weather Service's office for Los Angeles.

Junior Pineda

A representative with a local unit of the International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers.

Zack Marquez

A resident of Los Angeles' Koreatown neighborhood who uses a wheelchair.

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What they’re saying

“The nation's air conditioner, as we like to call it, is essentially shut off right now. We'll likely tie or break several temperature records all across LA County.”

— Bryan Lewis, Meteorologist (ksgf.com)

“Gotta stay hydrated and stay in the shade.”

— Zack Marquez (ksgf.com)

What’s next

A sea breeze on Friday should cool down the coast slightly, but inland areas will still swelter, forecasters said.

The takeaway

This winter heat wave highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events driven by climate change, and the need for communities to be prepared to protect vulnerable populations from the health risks posed by these conditions.