Record-Breaking March Heat Wave Hits Los Angeles County

Temperatures soar into the 90s, prompting heat advisories and concerns over drought, water supplies, and wildfire risks.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 12:00am

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A prolonged and unprecedented March heat wave is gripping Southern California, with temperatures 20 to 30 degrees above seasonal norms. Coastal areas like Venice Beach and Santa Monica are seeing mid-80s to low-90s, while inland valleys and downtown LA are pushing toward the upper 90s, with some areas nearing or exceeding 100 degrees. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory, and officials are urging precautions like staying hydrated, seeking shade or air conditioning, and checking on vulnerable populations.

Why it matters

This extreme heat event is concerning for several reasons. It is highly unusual for this time of year, raising worries about drought conditions, accelerated snowmelt that could impact water supplies, and heightened wildfire risks even though the traditional fire season is months away. The heat wave is also straining the region's infrastructure and resources as residents flock to beaches for relief.

The details

The heat wave began intensifying on Thursday, March 12, with highs surging across the region. Coastal Westside neighborhoods like Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and Pacific Palisades are experiencing mid-80s to low-90s, while inland valleys and downtown Los Angeles are pushing toward the upper 90s, with some areas nearing or exceeding 100 degrees. The National Weather Service's Los Angeles/Oxnard office has issued a Heat Advisory in effect from 10 a.m. Thursday through 8 p.m. Friday, covering much of Los Angeles County and extending to coastal and inland areas from San Diego to San Luis Obispo counties.

  • The heat wave began intensifying on Thursday, March 12.
  • The National Weather Service's Heat Advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. Thursday, March 12 through 8 p.m. Friday, March 13.

The players

National Weather Service

The National Weather Service is a government agency that provides weather forecasts and warnings for the United States.

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What’s next

Forecasters note the heat wave is expected to ease slightly over the weekend, with highs dropping 5–10 degrees in many areas, before potentially ramping up again early next week.

The takeaway

This record-breaking March heat wave is a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change and the need for communities to be prepared for increasingly extreme weather events. The strain on resources and infrastructure highlights the importance of investing in resilience measures to protect vulnerable populations and mitigate the effects of these types of heat waves.