Wednesday, February 25, 2026 — Downtown Los Angeles woke up under cool, mostly clear skies, but the calm start is not sticking around. Temperatures are set to jump fast through the workweek, with highs near 776F today, a stronger warm-up on Thursday, and the peak heat likely Friday, when many inland neighborhoods are expected to push into the low 90s.
Afternoon Heat and Offshore Winds
Forecasters expect highs to climb from around 776F today to about 866F on Thursday and near 916F on Friday, putting afternoon readings roughly 1520 degrees above normal for late February, especially inland. Offshore northeast winds are forecast to strengthen Thursday into Friday, and there is a chance of gradient-driven gusts near advisory levels, in the 3545 mph range, in familiar wind corridors such as the I-5, the Santa Clarita Valley, and parts of the western Santa Monicas. These details come from the National Weather Service, Los Angeles/Oxnard.
Coastal Mornings and Marine Advisories
Along the coast, mornings will still feature pockets of patchy fog before about 10 a.m., especially in low-lying neighborhoods and near the beaches. Small Craft Advisories remain in effect for parts of the outer waters through Thursday morning, so boaters should be ready for choppy seas and gusty conditions in the vicinity of the Channel Islands. Mariners and beach visitors are urged to follow guidance from local harbor officials and lifeguards.
Plan Ahead
With the hottest conditions lining up for Friday afternoon, basic heat precautions are a good idea: carry water, grab shade when you can, and try to avoid heavy outdoor work during peak hours if your schedule allows. The City of Los Angeles Emergency Management lists available cooling locations, libraries, and hydration stations, and the city offers free ride programs and extended library hours to help residents reach those cooler spots.
Morning Commute Note
Fog may reduce visibility during the morning commute before about 10 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Drivers should build in a little extra time on surface streets and freeway ramps and be ready for slower speeds near downtown connectors while the low clouds hang around.
