Downtown Los Angeles woke up Saturday, March 7, to blue skies and a whole lot of wind, as dry offshore gusts funneled through the basin and sent anything not nailed down skittering across sidewalks. Highs are headed for about 77°F this afternoon. Still, a Wind Advisory stretches across the coast, downtown, and the San Gabriel Valley through this evening, with the strongest blasts in canyon corridors and along ridge tops. If it is loose in the yard or on the balcony, now is the time to tie it down, and drivers should plan a little extra time on wind‑prone routes.
Afternoon Winds Crank Up
The National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard reports that north‑to‑northeast winds through Saturday will generally run 10–25 mph, with gusts topping out around 35–40 mph across Downtown, the beaches, and the San Gabriel Valley through 6 p.m. PST. Higher terrain is in a different league: ridgetops and mountain passes are under High Wind Warnings, where isolated gusts could reach 60–70 mph. Forecasters caution that gusty conditions can toss around unsecured objects, snap tree limbs, and make driving tough for high‑profile vehicles. On the water, Small Craft Advisories remain in effect for parts of the coastal waters this morning into the early afternoon, so mariners should think twice before heading out.
Travel, Power, And The Coast
Drivers can expect stiff crosswinds on exposed stretches such as the I‑5 and I‑405, so keep both hands on the wheel and build in a buffer for your commute. Flights and ferries may feel choppy this morning as the offshore flow peaks. Our earlier coverage flagged this same Santa Ana setup and urged some basic prep for utility customers and boaters; if you live near tall trees or older poles, securing patio furniture and topping off device batteries before evening is still smart advice. For background, see Santa Ana howl set to rattle Downtown L.A.
Sunday Heat Spike
The pattern flips quickly. On Sunday, March 8, inland neighborhoods are forecast to jump into the upper 80s to around 90°F as the offshore flow sticks around, turning what was a breezy morning into a taste of early summer. The warm spell eases on Monday as onshore flow returns, pulling highs back into the mid‑70s and opening the door for some low clouds by Tuesday. If you have outdoor work or workouts planned, aim for the cooler morning hours and keep water and shade within easy reach.
