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An end is in sight to the sweltering SoCal heat wave
Shane Enete, of La Mirada relaxes under an umbrella while watching a surfer ride a wave after surfing on a warm day at Bolsa Chica State Beach in 2026.
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Allen J. Schaben
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Getty Images
)
Potentially dangerous heat is still in store for Southern California Thursday, but there is some respite on the horizon.
An extreme heat warning from the National Weather Service remains in place for much of the region through 8 p.m. Thursday.
Inland valleys across L.A., Riverside and San Bernardino counties are expected to see highs of up to 104 degrees in some places. Temperatures in inland Orange County will likely get up into the 90s. Coastal areas and beaches will hover in the 80s.
The high temperatures are expected to pose a high risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for people over 65, young children and other sensitive populations. People who work outdoors or do not have air conditioning are also particularly at risk.
Making sense of heat forecasts
Southern Californians are no strangers to hot weather in the summer, but heat waves are getting hotter, longer and more frequent as the climate changes.
So you should know the words forecasters use to describe these weather events — and the risks they pose.
- Heat advisory: Advisories are issued when temperatures are expected to be hot enough to cause discomfort and potentially lead to heat-related illnesses, especially for more vulnerable populations like young children and the elderly.
- Extreme heat watch: Watches are essentially forecasts for upcoming periods of extreme heat. Forecasters say heat watches often cover wide areas and will be revised into more focused warnings and advisories as conditions become clearer over time. Watches are a good time to prepare for extreme heat.
- Extreme heat warning: Warnings are issued when heat levels are or will likely become extremely dangerous. Under extreme heat warnings, it's a good idea to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, stay hydrated and help loved ones and pets stay cool.
Heat wave review
NWS forecasters said Thursday that temperatures during this week’s heat wave peaked on Wednesday relatively close to what they expected: Woodland Hills hit 107 degrees, Burbank hit 97, and downtown Los Angeles hit 94.
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High humidity also played into the heat this week, as expected, driven by tropical moisture flowing into the region from the south.
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Forecasters said some coastal areas saw up to 70% humidity around midday Wednesday. Humidity in the valleys was generally between 30% and 40%.
“That's pretty muggy,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Wofford. “It’s definitely not Miami humidity, but it’s definitely more than we’re used to.”
Cooldown in sight
Thankfully, more comfortable summer weather is on the way.
Temperatures will start to trend downward Thursday along the coast, while a more noticeable cooling trend will settle in across the region Friday.
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The weather this weekend will still be warm, especially inland. But forecasters say temperatures will return to normal levels for this time of year by Saturday and could even dip lower than normal.
Weekend highs will be in the mid 80s in downtown L.A., up to 90 in the valleys and in the 70s along the coast.
Increased offshore winds are also expected to boost the marine layer and bring morning clouds and fog to many coastal areas Friday morning.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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