Southern California Faces Potentially Record-Breaking Heat Wave

Temperatures are expected to peak this week, shattering March records across the region.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:57pm

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Southern California is experiencing an unusually early and intense heat wave, with temperature records already being broken across the region. The National Weather Service warns that not only are daily temperature records likely to be broken, but even the high temperature records for the entire month of March could be shattered. Experts say the early-season heat is particularly dangerous as communities have not had time to acclimate.

Why it matters

This heat wave is heightening concerns about public safety and marks a test of the state's efforts to combat heat-related deaths in a time of rising temperatures due to climate change. The sweltering temperatures arriving months earlier than typical are a stark reminder of the impacts of global warming on local communities.

The details

On Monday, records were broken at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, where the mercury reached 92 degrees, and at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, where it hit 97 degrees. Temperatures are expected to peak from Tuesday through Friday, with the coast seeing highs in the 80s and inland areas reaching the 90s and even past 100 degrees, likely shattering more records. Weak offshore gradients that bring warm desert air to the coast are adding to the heat.

  • On Monday, March 16, 2026, temperature records were broken at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank and Pierce College in Woodland Hills.
  • Temperatures are expected to peak from Tuesday, March 17, 2026 through Friday, March 20, 2026.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency that provides weather forecasts and warnings for the United States.

Daniel Swain

A climate scientist who described the heat wave as 'a full-on summer heat wave in March' in a post on X.

Robbie Monroe

A meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.

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What they’re saying

“Not only are daily temperature records likely to be broken across the region, but even the high temperature records for any day in the entire month of March.”

— National Weather Service (latimes.com)

“It looks like it's going to be a historic heat wave. This could be the hottest March heat wave we've ever had, depending on how it plays out.”

— Robbie Monroe, Meteorologist, National Weather Service in Oxnard (latimes.com)

“a full-on summer heat wave in March”

— Daniel Swain, Climate Scientist (X)

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the heat wave and issue further warnings and advisories as needed.

The takeaway

This early and intense heat wave is a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change on local communities, and highlights the importance of continued efforts to combat rising temperatures and protect public health and safety.