Southern California residents faced another day of dangerous heat Sunday as extreme heat warnings covered communities from Los Angeles County and Orange County to the Inland Empire and the desert regions.
The National Weather Service said Sunday was expected to be the hottest day of the week across much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Although temperatures should gradually ease in some communities, above normal heat is expected to continue into the coming week.
Most valleys and mountain communities in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties were placed under an extreme heat warning through Sunday evening. Temperatures between 95 and 105 degrees were common, while the hottest locations could reach between 105 and 110 degrees.
The warning included communities such as Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Santa Clarita, Valencia, Van Nuys, Simi Valley, Moorpark, El Monte, East Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Compton, and Westlake Village.
Warm overnight temperatures were also expected to offer less relief than usual. That can increase the danger because homes without air conditioning may remain hot long after sunset, giving the body less opportunity to recover.
Inland Orange County was also placed under an extreme heat warning. Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Fullerton, Orange, Mission Viejo, and Garden Grove were expected to experience temperatures in the low to middle 90s, particularly in areas east of Interstate 5.
The National Weather Service warned that heat illnesses become significantly more likely during extreme heat events. Residents were encouraged to drink water regularly, avoid unnecessary time in the sun, and check on family members and neighbors who may need assistance.
Conditions were even hotter farther inland.
The Apple and Lucerne valleys, including Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, and Lucerne Valley, faced temperatures between 100 and 110 degrees. The Coachella Valley, San Diego County deserts, and the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning could see temperatures as high as 115 degrees.
Extreme heat warnings in several desert and mountain communities were extended through Monday evening. The mountains of Riverside and San Diego counties were expected to reach the middle 90s to near 100 degrees at elevations below 7,000 feet.
The heat was not affecting every Southern California neighborhood equally.
Coastal communities benefited from the marine layer and cooler ocean air, while valleys and inland cities experienced much higher temperatures. Downtown Los Angeles was forecast to reach the low 90s Sunday afternoon, while areas closer to Los Angeles International Airport remained considerably cooler.
The difference in temperatures across relatively short distances is a familiar Southern California pattern. A resident leaving the coast may experience a temperature increase of 15 degrees or more while traveling inland.
For people working outdoors, the heat created especially difficult conditions. Construction workers, landscapers, delivery drivers, street vendors, first responders, and others who spend long periods outside were urged to take frequent breaks in shaded or air conditioned areas.
Strenuous activity should be limited to the early morning or evening whenever possible. Residents should also watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion, including heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, headache, dizziness, and confusion.
Children, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, individuals without reliable air conditioning, and people experiencing homelessness are among those facing the greatest risk.
Pets also require additional protection. Animals should have access to shade and fresh water, and they should never be left inside a parked vehicle. Pavement and sidewalks can become dangerously hot and may burn an animal’s paws.
Los Angeles County has directed residents seeking relief to its network of public cooling centers. The locations offer air conditioning, drinking water, restrooms, and access for people with disabilities. Some centers may remain open for extended hours during extreme heat events.
Residents can find an available center through the county’s heat emergency resources or by calling 211. People within the city of Los Angeles may also call 311 for assistance.
Orange County officials have also encouraged residents to use local cooling centers when temperatures become unsafe. The county maintains a directory of public locations where people can escape the heat.
The hot weather is also increasing concern about fire conditions. The National Weather Service has noted elevated fire weather conditions caused by high temperatures, low humidity, and dry vegetation in parts of the region.
Even without widespread critical wind conditions, a fire that begins in dry brush can spread quickly. Residents are being asked to use care with equipment, vehicles, outdoor cooking, and anything else that could create a spark near vegetation.
California has experienced a quieter wildfire season than several other western states so far in 2026, but officials have warned that conditions can change quickly as summer heat dries vegetation. August and September have historically brought some of the state’s most dangerous fire weather.
The heat is part of a larger pattern affecting much of the western United States. Record or near record temperatures have been reported across several states, increasing pressure on emergency services and raising wildfire concerns throughout the region.
For Southern California, the immediate concern remains helping residents safely through the hottest part of the day.
Health officials recommend drinking water before becoming thirsty, wearing lightweight clothing, closing curtains or blinds to reduce indoor heating, and spending time in air conditioned public spaces when home cooling is unavailable.
Residents should also check on older relatives, neighbors who live alone, and anyone who may be reluctant or unable to ask for help.
While some areas will receive relief as the weekend heat begins to weaken, the National Weather Service said temperatures will remain above normal in parts of the region. Desert communities may continue experiencing dangerous conditions after warnings in many coastal and valley locations expire.
As Southern California moves deeper into August, officials are urging residents not to underestimate the risks. Extreme heat can become dangerous quickly, especially when high daytime temperatures are followed by unusually warm nights.
A shaded room, a bottle of water, or a call to check on a neighbor may seem like a small action, but during an extended period of dangerous heat, it could protect a life.Alert me when Southern California heat warnings change
