Downtown Los Angeles is forecast to start Wednesday under patchy fog, then warm as skies clear. Morning temperatures will be in the low 60s; fog should lift by late morning, giving way to mostly sunny skies and a high around 86.
Heat Builds Through Friday
Sunny skies and rising temperatures are expected to continue: Thursday's high will be near 90, with an overnight low around 67, followed by a high near 93 Friday. The National Weather Service describes Friday as the start of a major, long-lasting heat wave across Southern California.
Weekend Heat Could Be Dangerous
In the current downtown Los Angeles forecast, Saturday is expected to be the hottest day, near 98 degrees. Highs are forecast around 97 Sunday, 96 Monday and 95 Tuesday. Overnight lows will remain unusually warm, from the low 70s to mid-70s, giving homes and bodies less time to cool.
The weather service says the broader Los Angeles area could see triple-digit readings in its warmest valleys, with temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal during the weekend. Heat advisories are considered likely Friday, while portions of the Los Angeles and Ventura County coasts and valleys could need more serious heat warnings starting Saturday.
Fog, Rip Currents And Beach Plans
Morning fog may return Thursday before clearing, and coastal neighborhoods could run cooler than inland areas. A Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect through Wednesday afternoon for parts of the Southern California coast, covering the lingering risk of strong rip currents and tidal overflow after recent southerly swell.
No rain is expected through Tuesday, but the prolonged heat will make outdoor plans increasingly demanding by the weekend. Limit strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water, and check on older adults, young children and anyone without reliable air conditioning as temperatures rise.
Cooling Resources and October Context
For people without air conditioning, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health says free cooling centers and other resources are available; residents can look for locations at Los Angeles County's heat guidance or call 211. Check availability before heading out. The verified historical example here is from 2024, not October 2020: the Los Angeles Times reported that Palm Springs reached 117 degrees on Oct. 1, 2024, setting a daily record and the city's highest temperature recorded for October. That inland-desert event is distinct from this downtown Los Angeles forecast and does not establish ordinary October conditions in Los Angeles.
