Winter Heat Wave Hits Southern California

Temperatures expected to reach the mid-90s, well above normal for mid-March

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:05pm by Ben Kaplan

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A winter heat wave is hitting Southern California, with forecasters predicting unseasonably hot weather, including temperatures in the mid-90s around Los Angeles on Thursday and Friday. The hot weather is being caused by a combination of high pressure and a lack of cooling winds from the Pacific Ocean. Officials are urging people to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during the daytime to reduce the risk of heat illness.

Why it matters

The unexpected heat wave in the middle of winter is highly unusual for Southern California and could pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations. It also highlights the growing impacts of climate change, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe.

The details

Temperatures are expected to be about 20 degrees warmer than normal, with the mercury possibly hitting 93 degrees in downtown LA and 95 degrees in the San Fernando Valley. This compares to typical mid-March temperatures around 70 degrees. Workers at outdoor construction sites have been instructed to take frequent breaks, drink plenty of water, and utilize shade structures. Los Angeles city and county officials are planning to open cooling centers for residents without air conditioning.

  • The hottest day will be Thursday, March 12, 2026.
  • Temperatures are expected to remain unseasonably high through Friday, March 13, 2026.

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 (smdp.com)

“Gotta stay hydrated and stay in the shade.”

— Zack Marquez (smdp.com)

What’s next

A sea breeze on Friday should cool down the coast slightly, but inland areas will still swelter. The rest of the state will also see hotter-than-normal weather starting next week, with temperatures potentially topping 90 degrees around San Francisco and in the Sacramento area on Monday.

The takeaway

This unexpected winter heat wave in Southern California is a stark reminder of the growing impacts of climate change, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe. It underscores the importance of preparing for and adapting to these challenges to protect public health and safety.