Downtown LA could hit the mid-90s, valleys past 100, Palm Springs above 113, and Death Valley near 120. That’s 10–20° hotter than normal for August.The heat builds midweek, peaks Thursday and Friday, and sticks around through the weekend. With dry air, fire risk also climbs across valleys and mountains.Stay cool: hydrate, avoid the hottest hours, and keep an eye on fire updates. It’s all about pacing and preparation.
Tom Carroll is a content creator for the Los Angeles Times. Before joining The Times in 2022, he created, produced and hosted the web series “Tom Explores Los Angeles.” He has produced stories for NPR and Gimlet. A fourth-generation Southern Californian, he is a graduate of Occidental College and the University of Southern California.
Grace Toohey is a reporter at the Los Angeles Times covering breaking news for the Fast Break Desk. Before joining the newsroom in 2022, she covered criminal justice issues at the Orlando Sentinel and the Advocate in Baton Rouge. Toohey is a Maryland native and proud Terp.
