Millions Urged to Stay Indoors as Brutal California Heat Wave Approaches

Temperatures could climb into the 90s across much of the region, with 93 to 98 degrees expected in the inland areas.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:41pm

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More than five million Californians are being urged to stay indoors as an unusually early-season heat wave sends temperatures across the state soaring. The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory warning of dangerous conditions that could lead to heat-related illness, with forecasters saying temperatures could reach triple digits in Downtown Los Angeles on Friday, breaking the previous record by three weeks.

Why it matters

This early-season heat wave is highly unusual for March in California, with temperatures typically not reaching the upper 90s or 100s until June. The extreme heat poses a higher risk of illness for vulnerable populations like young children, older adults, and those without access to cooling systems or who work outdoors.

The details

The heat advisory covers San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Ventura counties, with forecasters warning of temperatures reaching 93 to 98 degrees in inland areas. Downtown Los Angeles is expected to hit 100 degrees on Friday, breaking the previous record by three weeks.

  • The heat advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. Thursday through 8 p.m. Friday.
  • Temperatures could linger above normal into the weekend and beyond.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency that issued the heat advisory and provided forecasts for the extreme temperatures.

Sebastian Westerink

A National Weather Service meteorologist who noted that the temperatures are "very anomalous heat for the month of March" in the region.

Jeff Berardelli

The chief meteorologist for WFLA-TV in Tampa, Florida, who said Downtown LA might hit 100 degrees on Friday, breaking the previous record by three weeks.

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What they’re saying

“This is very anomalous heat for the month of March.”

— Sebastian Westerink, National Weather Service meteorologist (Newsweek)

“Downtown LA might hit 100 on Friday — breaking the previous record of April 4 by three full weeks.”

— Jeff Berardelli, Chief meteorologist for WFLA-TV (N/A)

What’s next

Forecasters say above-normal temperatures could linger into the weekend and beyond, according to outlooks from the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center.

The takeaway

This early-season heat wave in California highlights the growing threat of climate change, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent and intense. The extreme temperatures pose a serious health risk, especially for vulnerable populations, underscoring the need for communities to be prepared and take proactive measures to protect residents.