The National Weather Service (NWS) just announced that a strong high‑pressure ridge is building over the Southwest, pushing temperatures well above normal for mid‑March and creating the potential for record‑breaking heat across SoCal.
The phenomenon is expected to send inland highs into the mid‑to‑upper‑90s by Thursday and Friday, and some places could flirt with triple digits as the warmth peaks. But before that heat happens, this Tuesday will be the last relatively mild day across the region.
Triple-digit warning and how to stay safe
L.A. is in for a serious heat surge this week, as temperatures in the county will climb into the high 70s and low 80s on Wednesday, with the real heat arriving Thursday and Friday. Along the coast and in the valleys, highs are expected to reach the 90s, with DTLA forecast at 98°F, Burbank also at 98°F, Long Beach at 97°F, and LAX around 93°F.
Those numbers put the region 20–30 degrees above the March average, which normally sits in the upper 60s to mid‑70s. Overnight lows offer only partial relief, but the prolonged daytime heat is expected to be the defining story for the city and nearby areas.
Officials caution that millions of residents could face moderate to high heat risk during the peak of the heatwave late this week, especially for people who lack access to cooling, work outdoors, or are otherwise sensitive to heat.
Drinking plenty of water, scheduling strenuous activities for cooler parts of the day, and checking on vulnerable neighbors are all recommended precautions.
