Downtown Los Angeles woke to clear, bone-dry air on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, with temperatures already climbing toward a late afternoon high near 90°F. A stiff offshore Santa Ana flow is stripping away the usual marine influence from inland pockets, lifting valley and basin highs well above the coast while foothills and canyon corridors see the strongest gusts. If you are planning to be outdoors, pack water and sun protection, since this is a short, punchy warm spell before cooler weather returns.
Afternoon Heat And Gusty Offshore Winds
Highs are expected to top out around 90°F across much of the city this afternoon, with light west winds of 5 to 10 mph for most neighborhoods but gustier conditions in the usual canyon and pass corridors. A Wind Advisory remains in effect until 2 p.m. Wednesday, and forecasters note that a few daily record highs could be threatened at sites such as LAX, Burbank, and Long Beach. That means it is a good idea to secure loose patio furniture and take extra care driving on exposed routes. According to the National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard, both gusts and peak temperatures will be most pronounced this afternoon.
Boaters And Beachgoers
Small craft advisories cover the inner waters through mid afternoon, so inexperienced boaters are urged to avoid exposed areas and delay open-ocean trips. An incoming west swell is expected late this week and could push surf to advisory levels on west-facing beaches, bringing the risk of dangerous rip currents and minor coastal flooding at some spots.
When It Cools
The ridge bringing today’s warmth is forecast to ease late this week, with highs dropping into the 70s by Friday and a milder weekend ahead. There is a slight chance of light rain early next week, though timing and coverage remain uncertain, so check forecasts before planning outdoor activities.
Related
We previewed this warm spell in a story published Tuesday. For background on the setup and local tips during gusty offshore flow, see our earlier coverage, Los Angeles bakes in 80s.
