Downtown Los Angeles is starting Thursday, August 20, at about 67 degrees with muggy air, but the cool-ish morning will not last: temperatures are expected to climb to 91 by afternoon. Skies should stay mostly sunny, with light south to southwest winds and no daytime rain in the forecast.
Hot Afternoon, Patchy Coastal Clouds
The National Weather Service expects a hotter-than-normal day across much of the region, with the strongest heat focused away from the immediate coast. A heat advisory remains in effect for some Southern California zones through 8 p.m. Thursday, August 20, while downtown Los Angeles is forecast to top out near 91. Winds should run 0 to 10 mph, turning more southwesterly during the afternoon.
Small Overnight Storm Chance
The bigger wrinkle arrives late Thursday night, August 20, when there is a 20% chance of showers or thunderstorms between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Friday, August 21. The chance is slight and should not produce a widespread soaking, but Los Angeles County could see a quick shower or isolated thunderstorm before partly cloudy skies settle in and temperatures dip to around 69.
Heat Lingers Through Next Week
Friday should be a touch cooler at 88, followed by highs around 89 Saturday, 90 Sunday and Monday, and 91 Tuesday and Wednesday. Overnight lows will stay close to 68 to 71, so evenings will offer some relief but not a dramatic cooldown.
Plan Around The Afternoon Peak
For anyone heading outside, the best bet is to handle strenuous errands earlier, carry water and take breaks in shade or air conditioning during the hottest part of the day. Coastal neighborhoods may get more cloud cover, but downtown and inland areas should plan for a bright, distinctly hot afternoon.
