Extreme heat and oppressive humidity will continue across much of Los Angeles County Thursday, with forecasters expecting some cooling Friday.
An extreme heat warning will remain in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday for much of Los Angeles County, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters said temperatures will fall about 4 to 10 degrees Thursday west of the mountains as high pressure weakens and onshore flow increases, while little change is expected across interior areas.
“Humidity will still remain elevated on Thursday, resulting in continued significant heat issues,” according to the NWS.
Several heat records were set in the area Wednesday. Long Beach reached 107 degrees, breaking the record for the date of 103 set in 2015. Downtown Los Angeles reached 105, tying the record set in 2024. Santa Ana heated up to 108 degrees, shattering the record of 103 set in 2024. Anaheim also set a new record by reaching 107 degrees, breaking the record of 104 set in 2024.
The NWS said it will keep the extreme heat warnings in effect through Thursday evening because “even with the cooling, many areas would be well within advisory criteria.”
A noticeable cooling trend is expected Friday and Saturday as onshore flow increases, the marine layer begins to return and high pressure continues to weaken, forecasters said.
By Sunday, a more tranquil weather pattern is expected to settle over Southern California, with temperatures in most areas about 5 to 10 degrees below seasonal averages through Wednesday.
The heat came as Southern California continued recovering from high surf and coastal flooding generated by former Hurricane Marie, which damaged beachfront properties in Long Beach, Dana Point and Malibu earlier this week.
In Long Beach, residents were allowed to return to homes on the Alamitos Peninsula Wednesday after building inspectors completed assessments of damage caused by large waves. One property was yellow-tagged, but no homes were red-tagged, according to the Long Beach Fire Department.
In Dana Point, seven homes were red-tagged and two others were yellow-tagged after waves battered beachfront properties, with one home partially collapsing into the ocean. Boulders were being placed along a stretch of beach to protect properties from further damage.
In Malibu, 31 homes were red-tagged and residents were evacuated after pounding surf and coastal erosion opened a massive sinkhole at a beachfront home owned by actor Nicolas Cage early Tuesday, prompting the city to declare a local state of emergency. The driveway collapse extended into Sea Level Drive, blocking access for residents and emergency personnel. Malibu officials said Wednesday the sinkhole and erosion did not significantly expand overnight, and repairs and shoring work were underway.
Although the south swell from Marie was continuing to subside, a beach hazards statement will remain in effect through Thursday evening for portions of the Los Angeles County coast.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health also extended an ocean water quality rain advisory for all county beaches until at least noon Thursday because of rainfall earlier in the week. Beach users were advised to avoid water contact, particularly near storm drains, creeks and rivers, where runoff can carry elevated levels of bacteria and other contaminants.
Los Angeles County health officials urged residents to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day and check on people at greater risk of heat-related illness.
Residents without air conditioning were encouraged to use cooling centers, libraries, shopping malls and other air-conditioned locations. Information about cooling centers is available by calling 211 or at ready.lacounty.gov/heat/.