Downtown Los Angeles started Thursday under a cool, gray lid, waking up to mostly cloudy skies, light winds, and temperatures hovering near 58°F. Those clouds are expected to peel back by late morning, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 70°F on tap. The real headliner, though, is the wind, which will ramp up today and could turn into a strong Santa Ana-style offshore blast on Friday, April 3, 2026, driving in much warmer, drier air.
Afternoon Gusts Start The Build-Up
By this afternoon, look for south-southwest winds of 5-10 mph, with gusts cranking up to 30-45 mph in exposed canyons and along ridge tops. Advisory-level gusts are possible tonight as the atmosphere gears up for a bigger show.
The National Weather Service has wind advisories posted for parts of the area and a High Wind Watch as offshore flow tightens its grip on Friday, April 3, 2026. Gusts of 45-55 mph are likely in the I-5 corridor, the Santa Susanna Mountains, and some foothill zones. According to NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard, residents should secure loose outdoor items and skip parking under trees during the watch period.
Friday And Weekend Warmup
That offshore push will send temperatures climbing in a hurry. Highs are expected to jump into the low 80s on Friday, April 3, 2026, and again on Saturday, April 4, 2026, with inland valleys and parts of the coast running warmest. That is an 8-12°F bump from earlier this week, with noticeably drier air moving in. Expect warm, breezy afternoons and cooler, gusty mornings lingering through the weekend.
Marine And Commute Impacts
Out on the water, the offshore winds will turn things rough. Small Craft Advisories and a Gale Watch are in effect for portions of the Channel, and seas could build into the 10-12 foot range over the outer waters tonight. Boaters, ferry riders, and beachgoers should brace for choppy conditions and strong rip currents, and harbor operations could see some disruption.
Onshore, gusty crosswinds may slow traffic and knock over unsecured objects near freeway canyon exits and bridges. If you are commuting on Friday morning, plan on a looser schedule and give yourself some extra travel time.
Need To Know
For canyon corridor and foothill neighborhoods, now is the time to tie down patio furniture, secure trash bins, and clear out weak or overhanging tree limbs before the strongest gusts arrive. For a refresher on how previous wind events played out in the city, check out our earlier coverage of the wild wind blast on Thursday.
The National Weather Service will update watches and advisories overnight, so be sure to check local alerts before heading out on Friday, April 3, 2026.
