Extreme Weather California
People cover themselves from the heat with umbrellas while waiting at a food distribution site Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Los Angeles.
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Southern California is seeing a burst of summerlike heat, and forecasters warn that it raises the risk of heat illness. On Wednesday, the National Weather Service says temperatures run about 20 degrees above normal. Downtown Los Angeles could reach the low 90s. Experts urge people to avoid daytime outdoor activity. Meteorologist Richard Thompson says records are possible. Thursday brings the peak heat near Los Angeles, with mid-90s possible in the San Fernando Valley. Construction sites plan to provide extra water, electrolytes, breaks, and shade to outdoor crews. City and county officials plan cooling centers. A Friday sea breeze cools the coast.
With spring still a week away, Southern California is seeing a burst of summerlike heat, and forecasters warn that it raises the risk of heat illness. The National Weather Service says temperatures on Thursday and Friday will run about 20 degrees above normal. Parts of Los Angeles could reach the mid 90s. Experts urge people to avoid daytime outdoor activity. Meteorologist Bryan Lewis says records are possible. Construction sites plan to provide extra water, electrolytes, breaks, and shade to outdoor crews. City and county officials plan cooling centers. A Friday sea breeze cools the coast somewhat.
The United States is getting slammed by a stretch of weather extremes, from flooding rain to record heat and late-season snow. On Wednesday, Washington, D.C., hit a record 86 degrees, then snow fell on Thursday. Meteorologists say the Southwest faces a heat dome with prolonged triple-digit temperatures. Polar cold will push into the Midwest and East. Two northern storms are likely to dump feet of snow, with one strengthening into a rare inland bomb cyclone. Hawaii is also dealing with an atmospheric river and flash flooding. Experts link the wild swings to a sharply dipping jet stream.
