Downtown Los Angeles is starting Friday, October 2, near 65 degrees, but that mild morning will quickly give way to a dangerous heat wave. The NWS forecast gives Downtown LA highs of 99 to 103 degrees during the heat wave, with an Extreme Heat Warning in effect from 10 a.m. Friday through 8 p.m. Thursday, October 8.
Downtown Heat Builds Into The Weekend
Mostly sunny skies will push temperatures sharply higher Friday afternoon, with light winds generally running 5 to 10 mph. The breeze is expected to shift from easterly in the morning to west-southwesterly later in the day, while the chance of rain remains essentially zero.
Saturday and Sunday look hotter, with sunny conditions and highs near 99 degrees. Overnight lows will stay unusually warm at about 76 degrees Friday night and 78 degrees Saturday night, offering limited relief after sunset.
Heat Lingers Through Next Week
The National Weather Service says the warning covers the coasts and valleys of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, where temperatures could reach 90 degrees near the coast and 105 degrees in the valleys. Downtown Los Angeles is forecast to remain in the 99-to-103-degree range through Thursday.
Some coastal neighborhoods could see morning clouds or fog, but that marine layer is not expected to provide much cooling for downtown. The broader forecast discussion describes the event as a long-lasting heat wave, with temperatures running well above normal across the region.
Cooling Centers Open Friday
Los Angeles opened dedicated cooling centers Friday, October 2, with operations scheduled through Saturday, October 10, according to the Los Angeles Emergency Management Department. City libraries and recreation facilities may also provide cooler spaces during regular hours, and residents can call 311 for location information.
Residents should drink plenty of water, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day and check on older neighbors or anyone without reliable air conditioning. Never leave children, older adults or pets in parked vehicles, and seek immediate medical help for confusion, fainting or loss of consciousness.
