After a gray, foggy wake-up call, Downtown Los Angeles flipped the switch to sunshine on Wednesday, May 6, with temperatures climbing from the mid 50s into the low 70s. Expect mostly sunny skies and a high near 73°F today, along with light south-southwest breezes through the afternoon.
Afternoon Breeze and Clearing Fog
The marine layer hung around early, throwing patchy fog at the coast and into parts of the basin before 11 a.m., but it is expected to thin quickly as inland neighborhoods warm up. South-southwest winds are forecast around 5 to 10 mph, with afternoon gusts to about 10 mph that will be most noticeable on exposed roadways and hilltops.
Heat Outlook Through Mother's Day
High pressure building in behind a departing low will drive a warming, drier trend through the weekend and into next week. Temperatures are expected to rise 5 to 10 degrees through Thursday and peak on Mother's Day (Sunday, May 10) and Monday, May 11. Most valleys should end up in the 80s to 90s, with the warmest inland spots carrying a 15 to 30% chance of hitting 100°F, and Downtown LA sitting at about a 30% chance of reaching 90°F. Given the multi-day nature of the heat, the National Weather Service says heat hazards may be needed for Sunday and Monday, with a formal decision likely by Friday or Saturday, according to the National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard.
Boaters and Beachgoers
Conditions will get rougher on the water late in the week as northwest winds strengthen. Short-period seas are forecast to build to around 10 to 11 feet by Friday and stay elevated into the weekend. Small Craft Advisories are possible at times and there is a modest chance of gale-force gusts, so mariners should check updated forecasts before heading out.
How To Prepare
There are no county-wide heat warnings in effect right now, but residents should start planning for hotter conditions later this weekend: stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, and check on neighbors who may be vulnerable. For a current list of cooling centers and other heat resources, visit Ready LA County.
