Southern California Heats Up Into the Upper 80s and Near 90 This Weekend as Mild to Moderate Santa Ana Winds Peak Friday and Saturday
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — Southern California is about to swing from rainy to summer-like. Offshore flow is setting up across the region, bringing a mild to moderate Santa Ana wind event that will peak on Friday and Saturday, November 6 and 7, 2026.
Temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 80s, with some coastal and valley locations possibly flirting with 90 degrees this weekend.
What Santa Ana Winds Are
Santa Ana winds are dry, warm winds that blow from the deserts and mountains toward the coast. As the air sinks and moves downhill, it heats up and dries out, often bringing unusually warm temperatures to coastal Southern California, even in late fall.
Santa Ana Timeline
| Day | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Thursday | Offshore flow begins setting up |
| Friday, November 6 | Santa Ana winds near peak, warming trend |
| Saturday, November 7 | Santa Ana winds peak, highs in the upper 80s |
| Sunday, November 8 | Very warm, with some spots near 90 |
| Following weekend | Shift back to an unsettled, wet pattern |
Forecast Highs for Sunday, November 8
The National Weather Service’s forecast highs for Sunday show warmth stretching from the coast to the valleys:
| Area | Forecast High |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles basin and nearby valleys | About 85 to 88°F |
| Ventura County coast | About 81 to 85°F |
| Inland Empire | About 81 to 85°F |
| Orange County and San Diego coast | About 83 to 85°F |
| Central Coast | About 80 to 83°F |
| Desert areas near the Colorado River | About 83 to 84°F |
| High desert and Mojave | About 73 to 78°F |
| Mountains | Mid 60s to mid 70s |
| Channel Islands area | Mid 70s |
The warmest spot on the map reaches about 90 degrees.
Coastal and Valley Areas Feel the Most Heat
Because Santa Ana winds push warm air downslope toward the ocean, the coastal plains and valleys often get the biggest temperature jump. That is why areas near the coast could be warmer than inland deserts this weekend.
A Big Change After Recent Rain and Flooding
The warm, dry weekend follows a stretch of unsettled weather in Southern California, including a rare wet Halloween as an atmospheric river brought rain and mountain snow to the region.
Wet Pattern Expected to Return the Following Weekend
The heat will not last forever. Forecasters say a change back to an unsettled, wet pattern is expected by the following weekend, around November 14 and 15.
Things to Watch During Santa Ana Conditions
Santa Ana winds can bring:
- Low humidity and dry air
- Gusty winds through canyons and passes
- Elevated fire concerns in dry brush areas
- Unusually warm temperatures for November
Tips for a Hot, Windy Weekend
- Stay hydrated during outdoor activities
- Avoid sparks from equipment or vehicles near dry grass
- Secure loose outdoor items in windy areas
- Follow local fire alerts and red flag warnings if issued
- Check on pets and older neighbors during the warmest hours
Outlook: Summer in November, Then Rain Returns
Southern Californians can enjoy a summer-like weekend, but should prepare for wetter weather to return about a week later.
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