SoCal Heat Wave Prompts Opening of Cooling Centers

Dangerous temperatures expected to last nearly a week across the region

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:50pm

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A potentially record-breaking and dangerous heat wave is building across Southern California, prompting the opening of cooling centers across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties to provide relief from the extreme temperatures.

Why it matters

The extreme heat poses serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations, and the opening of cooling centers aims to help protect residents from heat-related illnesses.

The details

Hundreds of city facilities, including libraries and recreation centers, are available for residents who need to stay cool. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the importance of seeking relief from the heat, urging Angelenos to "get indoors and into air conditioning and protect yourself." Several locations will have extended hours from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. to accommodate those seeking refuge from the heat.

  • The heat wave is expected to last nearly a week across Southern California.

The players

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles who is urging residents to seek relief from the dangerous heat at the city's cooling centers.

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What they’re saying

“As a former nurse and a physician assistant, I know first-hand that this heat is something to treat extremely seriously, and I'm making sure the city is preparing accordingly.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles (abc7.com)

What’s next

The city will continue to monitor the heat wave and provide updates on the availability and locations of cooling centers for residents seeking relief.

The takeaway

The opening of cooling centers across Southern California is a critical response to the dangerous heat wave, underscoring the importance of providing accessible options for residents to escape the extreme temperatures and protect their health.