Downtown Los Angeles rolled into Wednesday, March 4, 2026, under patchy fog and cool, damp air, with temperatures hovering around 55°F. The marine layer is expected to thin by midmorning, clearing the way for a mostly sunny afternoon and a high near 73°F.
From Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning, high winds move from background noise to main event. High Wind Warnings and widespread Wind Advisories are in place across parts of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties, with north-to-northeast gusts commonly in the 35 to 50 mph range and isolated higher-elevation gusts up to 65 mph. Forecasters say the northerly flow will funnel through local canyons and passes, creating hazardous crosswinds on exposed routes and increasing the risk of downed tree limbs and power outages. This northerly pattern is then expected to shift into a more classic offshore Santa Ana setup Friday into the weekend, bringing warmer, drier air and another round of strong gusts. According to the National Weather Service, Los Angeles/Oxnard, small craft advisories and gale warnings are also in effect for parts of the coastal waters.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Winds will build through the afternoon and ramp up most quickly late tonight into Thursday, March 5, with the strongest gusts targeting canyon, mountain, and wind-corridor areas. High-profile vehicles should be driven with extra caution on the I-5, I-405, and other exposed freeways, and drivers should plan for a slower commute where crosswinds are a factor.
Santa Ana Weekend
A stronger offshore pattern is likely to develop Friday morning, March 6, peaking Saturday, March 7, and ushering in drier air with afternoon highs climbing into the 70s and low 80s by Sunday, March 8. In the strongest projected scenario, gusts of 55 to 70 mph are possible in mountain corridors, while coasts and valleys could see widespread gusts of 40 to 50 mph. It is a good time to secure loose outdoor items and trim weak branches ahead of the weekend. For background on the developing offshore outlook, see Santa Ana winds poised to rattle downtown LA this weekend.
Commute And Safety Tips
If you commute during late-night or early-morning hours, consider giving yourself extra time and avoiding lingering alongside large vehicles on exposed stretches of roadway. Secure patio furniture, bring in potted plants, and keep flashlights and an emergency kit within reach in case outages occur. If you have airline or transit plans, check for updates before heading out the door.
Marine And Airport Impacts
Coastal mariners should expect choppy, steep seas through Thursday and heed local Small Craft Advisories and Gale Warnings; inexperienced boaters are better off staying in port. Crosswinds could lead to delays or operational impacts at LAX and Burbank, so travelers should verify flight status with their airline before leaving for the airport.
