Dangerous heat grips San Fernando, San Gabriel and Santa Clarita valleys
California is bracing for a scorching wave of heat this Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures expected to soar above 90°F (32°C) and in some areas even exceed 100°F (37.8°C). According to Ryan Kittell, meteorologist at the National Weather Service (NWS) in Oxnard, Woodland Hills and Canoga Park will be among the hottest zones, potentially hitting triple-digit temperatures.
Palm Springs forecast to reach 105°F (40.5°C)
While coastal areas remain relatively milder, inland regions like Palm Springs could see a brutal peak of 105°F (40.5°C) by Thursday, continuing a pattern of intensifying spring heat. This spike reflects a larger trend of early seasonal warmth affecting the Southern California interior.
Airports see unusual temperature rise
Temperatures around key transit hubs are also on the rise. The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) could climb to 78°F (25°C) by Wednesday, while Long Beach Airport is forecasted to reach 87°F (30°C) — both unseasonably warm readings for May.
Cooling relief expected Friday
Relief is on the horizon: by Friday, a cooler marine air mass is expected to push inland, bringing down temperatures to the 70s°F (21°C) and 80s°F (26°C) across most of Los Angeles County. This reprieve should ease conditions heading into the Memorial Day weekend.
NWS issues public warning for vulnerable groups
The Los Angeles branch of the NWS, through its official X account, issued a strong advisory to California residents, particularly those in vulnerable groups such as infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses. These individuals are at greater risk of heat-related health issues. The agency urges everyone to:
Stay in shaded or air-conditioned places,
Drink water frequently,
Wear loose, light-colored clothing,
Check on neighbors and loved ones, especially those without cooling systems.
Extreme heat this early in the year raises alarms across the region, especially in urban zones where concrete and asphalt trap heat. As May nears its end, all eyes are on how this early heatwave could foreshadow a long and intense summer in Southern California.
