Extreme Heat Warning Blankets Santa Monica as Humidity Turns Coastal Day Into a Steamer

SANTA MONICA - An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect through 8 p.m. Thursday for Los Angeles County beaches, including Santa Monica, as a heat dome and leftover tropical moisture collide over Southern California. The heat warning will last until 8 PM PST, on September 11th.

ABC News Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee posted Wednesday that she was "perspiring in the middle of the night in LA," warning that the heat index could climb as high as 113 degrees in parts of Los Angeles later in the day. The discomfort is not just the thermometer. Moisture streaming in from the remnants of former Hurricane Marie has pushed dew points into the 60s and 70s, making the air feel sticky and Miami-like even near the water.

Santa Monica forecast today

mary leipziger

Extreme Heat Warning Blankets Santa Monica as Humidity Turns Coastal Day Into a Steamer

The National Weather Service forecast for Santa Monica calls for sunny skies, a high near 90 degrees, and west-southwest winds of 5 to 10 mph. Overnight lows will only drop into the mid-70s, offering limited relief. Thursday should be a few degrees cooler, with a high near 88, followed by a more noticeable cooldown Friday as highs settle into the low 80s.

Beach communities will stay several degrees cooler than inland valleys, where temperatures can reach 108. But humidity is doing the heavy lifting. Officials say heat-related illness risk is elevated today and Thursday, especially for older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and anyone exercising in the afternoon sun.

Tips to beat the heat

91 degrees F is most unusual in Santa Monica.

1. Drink water throughout the day; do not wait until you feel thirsty. 2. Stay indoors in air conditioning during peak afternoon heat when possible. 3. Limit strenuous outdoor activity, especially between late morning and early evening.

4. Check on neighbors, relatives, and anyone without reliable cooling. 5. Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even briefly. Interiors can reach dangerous temperatures in minutes. 6. Seek shade, wear light clothing, and take frequent breaks if you must be outside.

7. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, or headache. Move to a cool place and seek medical help if symptoms worsen.

The warning remains in effect until Thursday evening. Forecasters expect conditions to ease by Friday as the high-pressure ridge weakens and marine influence returns.