It's our spring member drive!

Be one of 5,000 members to make a sustaining gift to help unlock $1 million.
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
Climate & Environment

A monster heat wave is bearing down on Southern California. Here's what you should know

Brown 'CAUTION! EXTREME HEAT DANGER' sign on yellow pole beside desert highway
Extreme heat is coming again to Southern California this week.
(
Angel Di Bilio/Getty Images
/
iStockphoto
)

If you value independent local news, become a sustainer today. Your gift could help unlock a $1M challenge.

Topline:

A rare March heat wave is pushing temperatures 20 to 35 degrees above normal — from Big Sur all the way to San Diego. The National Weather Service is warning Californians to take precautions, such as avoiding strenuous activity in the hottest hours of the day, to prevent heat illness.
Graphic shows temperatures forecast for L.A., Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
This heat wave will be with us for a while: the highest temperatures will be Tuesday through Friday.
(
National Weather Service
)

Why now: The heat wave is here, and the hottest weather is forecast for Tuesday through Friday. At the beaches, temperatures will approach or exceed 90 degrees, according to the latest National Weather Service. Inland, expect high 90s or even low 100s.

Why it matters: Extreme temperatures can cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be deadly. If a person becomes confused, dizzy or loses consciousness, it's time to call 911. This rare March heat event could also break temperature records.

What to do: Stay as cool as you can — seek out air conditioning, wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid strenuous activity in the heat of the day. Stay hydrated, as well: drink lots of water, and avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Sponsored message
A graphic shows the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat illness, including dizziness, sweating, nausea, confusion and losing consciousness.
Make plans now to prevent heat illness.
(
National Weather Service
)

What's next: We'll have to wait for the weekend for relief. Expect slight cooling Saturday, and then noticeably cooler weather on Sunday.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.

Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.

If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.

Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today