Winter took a breather in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday, February 5, 2026, as bright sunshine pushed afternoon highs into the upper 80s, topping out near 87°F with unusually dry air that made the warmth feel extra intense. Overnight conditions will stay mild, with lows settling in the mid 50s and most neighborhoods only seeing light east-southeast breezes instead of the stronger gusts that sometimes tag along with this pattern.
Afternoon Heat And Winds
Across the basin, temperatures jumped into the mid to upper 80s, with inland areas running hottest while coastal spots held noticeably cooler. A shallow offshore flow has swept away the usual marine layer, nudging daytime highs several degrees above typical early February levels and keeping humidity low enough that the sun feels like it has a bit of an attitude.
Coastal Hazards And Forecast Update
The National Weather Service has issued a set of surf and marine alerts for the Central Coast, including a High Surf Advisory for parts of the Santa Barbara coast from 6 AM Friday through 6 PM Saturday, along with Small Craft Advisories for nearby waters. For full details on timing, wave heights, and affected zones, check the advisory from the National Weather Service Los Angeles.
This warm stretch has been on the radar for a bit; we flagged it earlier in the week in our February furnace preview, and this latest update zeroes in on the weekend surf and marine impacts that could shape beach plans and small-boat outings.
Weekend Outlook
Relief is on the way Friday, with a noticeable cooldown dropping highs into the low 70s along the coast and in many valley locations. The break will be brief, though, as temperatures rebound Saturday and Sunday, when inland highs are expected to return to the mid 70s and low 80s. Forecasters are also watching a weak system that could bring a slight chance of light rain from Tuesday to Wednesday next week, although current projections keep both the odds and rainfall totals on the low side.
How To Plan
To handle the heat, try to schedule strenuous outdoor work for the cooler morning or evening hours and keep water handy throughout the day. Secure loose patio furniture and other lightweight items, especially near canyons or passes where winds can occasionally run higher. At the coast, beachgoers and small-boat operators should follow lifeguard instructions and posted marine advisories, and stay out of the water in areas marked for strong rip currents or hazardous surf.
