Downtown Los Angeles started early Thursday, February 26, in classic coastal fashion: patchy fog, low clouds and a cool 55°F. The gray, however, is not sticking around for long. Those low clouds are expected to thin by midmorning, clearing the stage for a sunny afternoon that should warm into the neighborhood of 80°F.
Heat Through Friday
A strengthening ridge of high pressure is cranking up the thermostat well above seasonal norms through the end of the week. Friday, February 27 is expected to be the peak of this warm spell, with inland valleys likely pushing into the upper 80s to low 90s while coastal spots stay comparatively milder, according to the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard.
Foggy Mornings, Sunny Afternoons
A shallow marine layer will keep patchy low clouds and fog clinging to beaches and low-lying neighborhoods before about 10 a.m. The sun should make quick work of it once it is up, so the gloomy mornings will flip to bright afternoons. Early commuters, especially near the shoreline, should be ready for brief visibility drops and build in a little extra travel time.
Winds and Boaters
Offshore north to northwest winds will also be flexing at times. Small Craft Advisories are up for parts of the outer waters, including zone 645 from noon to 10 p.m. Thursday and zones 673–676 through 10 a.m. Friday, meaning boaters can expect gusty winds and choppy seas. Mariners and small-boat operators are urged to check the marine forecast before heading out, per the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard.
Plan Ahead
With the warm spell topping out Friday, a few basic heat moves are in order: keep water handy, take breaks in the shade or air conditioning and avoid heavy outdoor work during the mid-afternoon peak. The City of Los Angeles maintains a list of designated cooling locations and "Cool Spots" for anyone who needs a break from the heat. Details are available through Los Angeles Emergency Management.
