Updated
Updated · Los Angeles Times · Aug 23
Southern California Braces for 110-Degree Heat as NWS Flags Hottest Week of 2026
Updated
Updated · Los Angeles Times · Aug 23

Southern California Braces for 110-Degree Heat as NWS Flags Hottest Week of 2026

3 articles · Updated · Los Angeles Times · Aug 23

Summary

  • Tuesday through Friday, Southern California faces a high risk of heat-related illness as forecasters call it likely the region’s hottest week of the year.
  • Los Angeles is forecast to reach 96-98 degrees through Friday, valleys 100-110, beaches 80-90, and Death Valley 119-120 with overnight lows in the mid-90s.
  • High pressure aloft is driving compressional warming, while a shift to northerly winds is adding extra heat even without Santa Ana winds.
  • Death Valley’s danger was underscored by the Aug. 17 death of a 68-year-old French traveler after his vehicle broke down on a 116-degree day.
  • An extreme heat watch runs from Tuesday morning to Friday evening after a heat advisory, and forecasters warned the same conditions can heighten wildfire risk.

Insights

With extreme heat gripping Southern California, what hidden coastal and wildfire dangers are lurking beyond the soaring inland temperatures?
Why are the unusually warm overnight lows actually the most dangerous part of this record-breaking Southern California heatwave?
As temperatures soar past 110 degrees, will the local power grid withstand the massive strain of millions seeking air-conditioned relief?