SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — The National Weather Service issued heat advisories for Southern California, Central California, and the Bay Area beginning Friday. The agency expects unseasonably high temperatures to linger for at least a week.

Temperatures in downtown Los Angeles reached 102 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday, breaking the daily record. Woodland Wells reached 103 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday, while Burbank temperatures ranged between 100 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday.

The National Weather Service issued an Extreme Heat Warning through 8 p.m. Thursday for coastal and valley areas of Los Angeles County. Extreme Heat Warnings are in effect through 8 p.m. Thursday for coastal and inland Orange County.

Inland Orange County highs are expected to range from the mid-90s to near 100 degrees. High temperatures in coastal Orange County are expected to range from the mid-80s to around 90 degrees near the coast and reach the lower to mid-90s near higher coastal terrain. Overnight lows in both coastal and inland Orange County are expected to remain mostly in the lower to mid-70s.

Parts of the San Fernando, Simi, Santa Clarita, San Gabriel, Antelope, Apple, Lucerne, Moreno, and Coachella valleys could feel as hot as 107 to 111 degrees when factoring in the heat index. Actual daytime temperatures in the San Fernando, Simi, Santa Clarita, San Gabriel, Antelope, Apple, Lucerne, Moreno, and Coachella valleys could reach 102 to 106 degrees. Coastal communities and mountain areas from Ventura to San Diego are expected to see temperatures between 90 and 98 degrees.

Meteorologist Richard Bann said the deviation from seasonal norms is substantial. He said temperatures were expected to run 15 to 20 degrees above normal, which he described as pretty significant. He advised residents to take precautions against the extreme conditions, including staying cool, staying hydrated, and limiting exposure to the sun.

V Kelly Turner, professor of geography and urban planning, noted the historical rarity of the current readings. She said the temperature on Friday was nearly 7 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than the previous hottest October 2 and about 30 degrees higher than historical averages around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

The city of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department urged residents without air conditioning to use public libraries, recreation facilities, senior centers, or other air-conditioned public buildings. Residents can call 311 or use the Cool Spots LA online tool to locate nearby cooling facilities. Residents without access to air conditioning can find cooling centers, splash pads, and community pools by calling 211.

Why It Matters

Heat causes more deaths in the U.S. annually than floods, storms, and lightning combined. Increased heat and low soil moisture make wildfires more likely. The heatwave is influenced by an ongoing marine heatwave driving a strong El Niño.

October heatwaves in Southern California are caused by ridges of high air pressure. Research indicates that with every half-degree of global warming, heatwaves become more likely and longer lasting.

Timeline

Meteorologist Richard Bann stated that temperatures were expected to run 15 to 20 degrees above normal, which he described as pretty significant. Another statement noted that coastal zones and mountains were extremely hot with a temperature range of 90°F to 98°F, putting more people under significant heat stress than normal across large populations from Ventura to San Diego counties. Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis issued a warning that heat causes more deaths in the U.S. annually than floods, storms, and lightning combined. He said those most likely to get ill during the heat include older adults, young children, outdoor workers, athletes, and individuals with chronic medical conditions. He emphasized that safety during extreme heat is crucial and advised seeking medical help immediately if symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion—such as dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or passing out—are observed. Bann also advised staying cool, staying hydrated, and limiting exposure to the sun.

What's New

The Extreme Heat Warning issued by the National Weather Service affects residents in Southern California, including areas such as Inland Orange County and Los Angeles County. The exact number of residents affected is not specified in the available documents. The National Weather Service issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Inland Orange County, where daytime highs are projected to reach the mid-90s to near 100°F through October 8. The National Weather Service issued its first Extreme Heat Warning for Southern California in 2006, marking a shift toward more proactive heatwave alerts as climate change intensified seasonal temperatures. A study titled "Atmospheric Rivers and National Weather Service Watches, Warnings, and Advisories Issued Over California 2007–2016" was published in 2018 in Journal of Operational Meteorology. Southern California's October heatwaves have become increasingly common since the 1990s, with the 2026 event being one of the longest-lasting and hottest on record, according to the National Weather Service. The National Weather Service issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Friday, October 2 through Thursday, October 8, with high temperatures forecast for multiple areas in Los Angeles County, including Downtown Los Angeles, where temperatures reached 102 degrees as of 12:50 p.m. on Friday, breaking the daily record. Inland Orange County has historically seen higher temperatures compared to coastal areas, with inland regions regularly exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit during extreme heat events. The Oxnard National Weather Service office has been responsible for issuing weather warnings and forecasts for Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties since 1993.