This article was originally published by LAist on March 16, 2026.
Topline: A rare March heat wave is pushing temperatures 20 to 35 degrees above normal — from Big Sur all the way to San Diego. The National Weather Service is warning Californians to take precautions, such as avoiding strenuous activity in the hottest hours of the day, to prevent heat illness.
Why now: The heat wave is here, and the hottest weather is forecast for Tuesday through Friday. At the beaches, temperatures will approach or exceed 90 degrees, according to the latest National Weather Service. Inland, expect high 90s or even low 100s…