Downtown Los Angeles woke to a cool, foggy start on Thursday, at about 52°F at 5:35 a.m. PST, but the quiet vibe will not last. Winds are set to ramp up through the day, and stronger gusts could kick up hazardous crosswinds on exposed stretches of freeway.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Northerly winds are expected to strengthen through Thursday afternoon, with daytime highs near 75°F and sustained north winds of 10–15 mph plus higher gusts. High Wind Warnings and Wind Advisories remain in effect for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties through 9 a.m. Thursday, March 5, drivers of high-profile vehicles should use extra caution on I-5, I-405, and other exposed routes. This guidance comes from the National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard.
Santa Ana Weekend
The pattern shifts offshore Friday morning, March 6, and strengthens into a classic Santa Ana through the weekend, peaking Saturday, March 7. Interior highs are expected to warm into the upper 70s on Saturday and the low-to-mid 80s on Sunday, with widespread gusts commonly 20–30 mph and gusts to 35–55 mph. Isolated higher gusts in ridges and mountain passes could reach 60–75 mph. Those stronger winds raise the risk of downed limbs and power outages across wind-prone corridors.
Marine And Airport Impacts
Coastal mariners should be ready for steep, choppy seas and gale or small-craft advisory conditions through the morning and into tonight, and inexperienced boaters are advised to stay in port. Crosswinds and rapidly changing winds with altitude could affect arrivals and departures at LAX, Burbank and other area airports, leading to possible delays or operational impacts. For more context on the evolving setup, see this wild wind blast preview.
What To Do
Secure loose outdoor items, bring potted plants and patio furniture inside, and give yourself extra time on commutes through Thursday morning and again over the weekend. If you rely on flights or ferries, check with carriers before you leave and keep an eye on local utility and road authorities in case of outages or closures.
