The heat wave, which began intensifying around March 12th, has gripped Southern California with unseasonable warmth. Coastal areas like Venice Beach and Santa Monica are experiencing mid-80s to low-90s, while inland valleys and downtown Los Angeles are pushing toward the upper 90s, with some areas even exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The National Weather Service’s Los Angeles/Oxnard office has issued a Heat Advisory in effect through Friday for much of Los Angeles County and surrounding areas.
Record Shattering Temperatures
Numerous cities have seen their temperature records tumble. Downtown Los Angeles reached 94°F on March 18th, surpassing its previous daily high of 87°F set in 1997. LAX recorded 92°F, breaking its 1978 record of 91°F, and Long Beach hit 99°F, surpassing its 1978 record of 95°F. Burbank saw temperatures reach 99°F, breaking its 1978 record of 92°F, while Woodland Hills recorded 101°F, shattering its 2007 record of 93°F.
National Records and Broader Impact
The extreme heat is not confined to Los Angeles. North Shore, California, tied the all-time national March temperature record of 108°F on Wednesday, a mark first set in 1954. On Thursday, a desert community in Arizona reached 110°F, setting a new national March record. Phoenix, Arizona, set a record-high overnight low for March 19th at 69°F and was expected to reach around 105°F during the day, significantly hotter than its typical first 105°F day, which usually occurs around May 22nd. Even San Francisco experienced a moderate heat risk.
Health and Safety Warnings
Officials are urging residents to take precautions due to the high risk of heat illness, particularly for vulnerable populations and those in communities away from the coast. Recommendations include staying hydrated, seeking shade or air-conditioned spaces, and checking on neighbors and family members. Cooling centers, including libraries and recreation centers, have been opened across Los Angeles County to provide relief.
FAQ: People Also Ask
Q: When did the March heat wave begin in Southern California?
A: The heat wave began intensifying around Thursday, March 12th, 2026.
Q: What are the risks associated with this extreme March heat?
A: The extreme heat poses risks of heat-related illnesses, concerns about drought conditions, accelerated snowmelt impacting water supplies, and heightened wildfire risks, despite it being outside the traditional fire season.
Q: When is the heat wave expected to end?
A: While moderate relief is anticipated over the weekend of March 22-23, with temperatures dropping, they are still expected to remain above normal. Some forecasts suggest a slight warming trend again early the following week.
