Los Angeles is currently experiencing an unusual winter heat wave that has caught the attention of many residents and visitors alike. Just think about it: record-breaking temperatures have swept across the region, leaving everyone wondering how long this warm spell will linger.
On January 27, visitors were seen basking in the sun and enjoying leisurely rides on Swan Boats at Echo Park, a serene escape in the city.
This extraordinary warmth reached its peak on February 4, 2026, with daily temperature records shattered at both Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and UCLA, which recorded highs of 87 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively. To put this into perspective, these temperatures were about 20 degrees higher than what is typically expected during February, with many areas, including valleys and cooler coastal regions, soaring into the 80s and low 90s.
Although this might seem alarming, it's essential to note that such temperature spikes, while noteworthy, are not entirely out of the ordinary for Southern California in February. Meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld from the Oxnard weather service remarked, "Our temperatures today are pretty dramatic, well into the 20-degrees-above-normal range right now." Typically, one would expect highs in the 60s and 70s during this time of year.
The National Weather Service reported that numerous locations across the Los Angeles Basin broke daily temperature records, including LAX, UCLA, and Long Beach, where readings reached 87 or 88 degrees. Other areas, like downtown Los Angeles, Hawthorne, and Ojai, hit highs of 89 degrees—but these were just shy of setting new records.
While some parts of the region saw unprecedented temperatures, Schoenfeld emphasized that brief heat waves are not uncommon this time of year. However, she noted that it would be unusual for such high temperatures to persist beyond a few days; indeed, a significant cool-down is anticipated by Friday. Rather than remaining drastically above average, forecasters predict that temperatures will normalize over the weekend, settling to just 4 to 8 degrees above the seasonal average.
This current heat wave has been fueled by Santa Ana winds and a high-pressure system, which have pushed temperatures upward since Tuesday. Wednesday was projected to be the hottest day of this stretch.
Here are some noteworthy temperature records from February 4, according to the National Weather Service:
- LAX: 87 degrees (previously 84)
- UCLA: 88 degrees (previously 85)
- Long Beach: 88 degrees (previously 87)
- Burbank: 87 degrees (previously 86)
- Santa Barbara Airport: 83 degrees (previously 81)
- Santa Maria Airport: tied the previous record of 84 degrees.
For those interested in staying updated, signing up for Essential California provides a daily roundup of critical news stories and recommendations delivered straight to your inbox.
In her role as a reporter for the Los Angeles Times, Grace Toohey focuses on breaking news for the Fast Break Desk. Before joining the team in 2022, she reported on criminal justice matters at the Orlando Sentinel and the Advocate in Baton Rouge. A proud Maryland native, Toohey has roots in the University of Maryland community.
