Blistering heatwave set to blast California: ‘Records will be shattered’

Californians might feel the summer heat early, even though spring is just underway.

The National Weather Service warned of drastic and record-high temperatures across Southern California, with days expected to be 20–30 degrees hotter than usual.

“Several calendar-day records will be shattered, with some areas potentially breaking all-time records for March,” the NWS said Tuesday.

“While the heat will peak Thursday and Friday, temperatures will remain well above normal into next week.” The intense heat is expected to last from Wednesday through at least Saturday

“[The] main message is that moderate heat impacts are likely for many areas Thursday and Friday,” the NWS said. In Los Angeles, the next seven days will see highs in the 90s, nearing 100.

The NWS also warned of “High Risk of Heat Illness” that will impact nearly 17 million people, according to Fox11.

The weather takes a sharp turn starting Wednesday. After a cool Tuesday (70°F), Wednesday jumps 11 degrees to a high of 81°F, with some morning clouds clearing for a sunnier afternoon. By Thursday, the heat truly arrives as the temperature spikes to a hot 96°F under clear, sunny skies.

The peak of this heatwave hits on Friday, reaching a sweltering 98°F. Although it remains mostly cloudy that day, the overnight low only drops to 64°F, offering little relief. The weekend remains consistently hot and sunny, with highs of 94°F and 92°F, respectively. The heat persists into the start of the next work week, with a high of 93°F.

This comes after a hot LA Marathon day, which saw highs in the low 80s.

A strong high-pressure system will continue driving extreme March heat, with some regions experiencing temperatures up to 30 degrees above normal, potentially breaking both daily and monthly records.

More of the forecast:

• Southern California deserts and inland areas, including Palm Springs and Thermal, may reach triple-digit temperatures, with a 25% chance of 110°F next Wednesday or Thursday — setting an all-time March high for the state.
• San Diego could hit 89–90°F, and northern coastal areas like San Luis Obispo may also see highs near 90°F.
• Northern California will warm later in the week as the high-pressure system shifts eastward, with San Jose, Concord, Livermore, and Vacaville potentially flirting with 90°F early next week, and downtown San Francisco reaching the 80s.
• Sierra Nevada communities will see highs in the upper 60s to mid-70s, while ski resorts remain in the 50s to low 60s. This rapid snowmelt will feed fast-moving rivers, increasing the risk of flooding and dangerous spring conditions.

The NWS advises most residents are at high risk for heat-related illness this week and recommend limiting strenuous outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., staying hydrated, taking frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, and checking on children, the elderly, and pets.

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