Downtown LA Sizzles at 99 Degrees as Heat, Smog Slam City Before Weekend Cooldown

Los Angeles is heading into another dangerous heat day Thursday, August 27, with downtown temperatures expected to climb to about 99°F after an early start in the upper 70s. The forecast also carries a 20% chance of showers or thunderstorms, an unusual wrinkle in a heat wave that is offering little overnight relief.

Heat Warning Runs Through Friday Evening

The National Weather Service has an Extreme Heat Warning in effect through 8 p.m. Friday, August 28, with daytime highs across the region commonly ranging from 92°F to 102°F. Friday should remain hot in Los Angeles, with a forecast high near 97°F and a low around 73°F, according to the National Weather Service.

Residents should drink plenty of fluids, use air conditioning when possible and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day. Officials also recommend checking on older neighbors, young children and anyone without reliable cooling, while never leaving children or pets in an unattended vehicle.

Afternoon Ozone Adds Another Health Concern

An air quality alert for ozone pollution is also set to remain in effect through 8 p.m. Friday, August 28. Ozone levels typically rise after sunrise and peak during the afternoon and early evening, with people who have asthma or other lung conditions facing greater risk, the South Coast AQMD says.

Outdoor workouts and other strenuous activities are best moved to early morning or evening while the alert remains active. Residents can check neighborhood air quality, keep windows closed when pollution is elevated and run an air conditioner or purifier to help keep indoor air cleaner.

Weekend Forecast Brings Noticeable Relief

The heat begins to ease Saturday, when sunny skies and a high near 94°F are expected. Temperatures should drop to about 87°F Sunday and 84°F Monday, with overnight lows falling from 68°F Saturday night to the mid-60s early next week.

Mostly sunny conditions are forecast through Monday, while a slight chance of rain showers returns Tuesday, September 1, and Wednesday, September 2. Highs should hold near 84°F to 85°F during that midweek shift, a much more manageable stretch after Thursday and Friday's heat.