Record-breaking temperatures are possible in Los Angeles and around Southern California as intense heat triggered extreme heat warnings and raised fears of fast-moving wildfires.

Expect another day of temperatures in the upper 90s and well into the 100s Friday with little overnight cooling. Similar sizzling temperatures are in the weekend forecast.

In downtown LA, a high of 97 is in the Friday forecast. The record for the date is 102, set in 1972. Saturday’s high is expected to be 95, falling short of the record of 100 degrees set in 1968.

And, there won’t be much relief from the extreme heat until next week.

Heat illness risks usually reserved for desert areas will be more widespread, De Leon said. An extreme heat warning will be in place until 9 p.m. Saturday for most of the area.

Ariel Cohen, of the National Weather Service, said heat events like this are rare, happening about once every two to four years.

Fire weather warning

A red flag warning of critical fire danger took effect at 9 a.m. Wednesday and will remain in place through 9 p.m. Saturday in the Santa Clarita Valley, San Gabriel Mountains, Antelope Valley foothills and the Golden State (5) and Antelope Valley (14) freeway corridors.

The Los Angeles Fire Department said it is monitoring the forecast and making necessary preparations to meet emergency demands during the heat wave. LAFD added Crew 4, which is a team made up of 26 specially trained personnel who will respond to wildfires within and around the city.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state had pre-deployed firefighting resources to Los Angeles County — totaling 10 fire engines, two water tenders,
two bulldozers, one helicopter, two hand crews, thee dispatchers and one Incident Management Team.

Mayor Karen Bass directed city personnel throughout Los Angeles to take all necessary steps to combat the conditions that will accompany the heat
wave.

“Ahead of expected high temperatures later this week, city departments are taking action to keep Angelenos safe,” Bass said in a statement. “I encourage Angelenos to stay cool, stay hydrated, check on neighbors, and know that resources are available citywide to help keep you safe.”

Widespread strong winds are not part of the forecast, but the extreme heat and dry brush are enough to raise the risk of fast-moving flames. Breezy conditions are possible in foothill areas and mountains.

“The combination can change fire conditions rapidly,” interim Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Villanueva said.

Mayor Karen Bass directed city personnel throughout Los Angeles to take all necessary steps to combat the conditions that will accompany the heat wave.

“Ahead of expected high temperatures later this week, city departments are taking action to keep Angelenos safe,” Bass said in a statement. “I encourage Angelenos to stay cool, stay hydrated, check on neighbors, and know that resources are available citywide to help keep you safe.”

Los Angeles city officials announced safety plans to beat the dangerous heat expected this week. Macy Jenkins reports for NBC4 at 4 p.m. on August 18, 2025.

Heat health safety

Los Angeles will also open augmented cooling centers throughout the city and hundreds of locations for relief from the heat. For locations and hours of operation, visit here.

  • Stay hydrated! The more hydrated you are, the more effective your body will be at keeping you cool. Drink water – not fizzy and alcoholic drinks, which will dehydrate you.
  • Avoid exercise in the middle of the day. If you need to exercise outside, do it early in the morning when the temperature is lower.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored natural fabrics like cotton and linen, as these will help your skin breathe and let your sweat evaporate, cooling you down.
  • We sweat around half a pint daily from both feet (and we wonder why they stink!), so if you can, wear sandals or flip-flops to let your foot sweat evaporate.
  • Use a fan to circulate air from open windows. Keep your blinds or curtains drawn during the day, so your home doesn’t heat up while you’re out. Turn off big appliances and help prevent brown-outs!
  • To cool down quickly, run your wrists under a cold tap or keep a water spray in the fridge for a quick cooling spritz to the face.
  • Keep some wet wipes in your bag so you can freshen up your hands, face and neck if you get hot or clammy.
  • Want to stay cool at night? One way is to wash your feet in cool water or take a cold shower before bedtime – especially if you get hot during the night or have hot sweats.
  • To cool down in bed, try keeping your pillowcase or sheets in a plastic bag in the fridge during the day. Put them back on the bed at night. The fabric will stay cool when you’re trying to get to sleep.
  • And bring your pets in and make sure they have shade and water.
  • Be prepared for power outages and know where cooling centers are!

City News Service contributed to this report.