Record-Breaking March Heat Wave Pushes Los Angeles County Temperatures Into the 90's,

LOS ANGELES – An extraordinary and prolonged March heat wave is gripping Southern California this week, delivering temperatures 20 to 30 degrees above seasonal norms and prompting widespread heat advisories from the National Weather Service.

The event, described by forecasters as unprecedented for this time of year, began intensifying Thursday, March 12, with highs surging across the region and a high risk of heat-related illness affecting residents, outdoor workers, beachgoers, and vulnerable populations.

Coastal Westside neighborhoods-including Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and Pacific Palisades-are experiencing mid-80s to low-90s readings, while inland valleys and downtown Los Angeles push toward the upper 90s, with some areas nearing or exceeding 100 degrees.

The National Weather Service's Los Angeles/Oxnard office has issued a Heat Advisory in effect from 10 a.m. Thursday through 8 p.m. Friday, covering much of Los Angeles County and extending to coastal and inland areas from San Diego to San Luis Obispo counties.

Widespread temperatures of 90 to 100 degrees are expected, driven by a powerful high-pressure system combined with offshore flow and light Santa Ana winds. This setup has already positioned the region to shatter multiple daily records-some set as far back as 2007-with forecasters noting potential ties or breaks in locations like Burbank (forecast near 97 degrees), Long Beach (around 95 degrees), and Pasadena (mid-90s). Downtown Los Angeles is on track for highs near 97–98 degrees Friday, approaching the all-time March record of 99 degrees set in 1879.

Westside locals have responded by flocking to beaches for relief, turning spots like Venice Boardwalk and Santa Monica Pier into crowds.

Officials urge the usual precautions: drink plenty of water, seek shade or air-conditioned spaces, limit strenuous outdoor activity between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and check on neighbors, especially the elderly and those without reliable cooling.

The prolonged heat exacerbates existing concerns, including drought conditions, accelerated snowmelt in the mountains (potentially affecting water supplies), and heightened wildfire risks even though the traditional fire season is months away.

The heat wave is expected to ease slightly over the weekend, with highs dropping 5–10 degrees in many areas, before potentially ramping up again early next week.