Los Angeles may be famous for its sunshine and mild weather, but this week, Mother Nature has other plans. A cold front is moving in, bringing chilly temperatures, gusty winds, and even some rain, a major departure from the city’s usual dry and warm climate.
If you’ve been enjoying the sunny and mild days lately, don’t get too comfortable—by midweek, LA will feel noticeably cooler, with daytime highs struggling to reach the mid-60s and overnight lows dipping into the 40s. And that’s not all. Rain is expected to make an appearance, especially on Wednesday and Thursday, bringing slick roads and the potential for travel disruptions.
What’s Causing This Sudden Weather Shift?
Typically, March in Los Angeles is known for mild, dry conditions with temperatures averaging around 70°F (21°C) during the day. But a strong Pacific cold front is shaking things up. As it moves down the California coast, it’s dragging in cooler air, increased cloud cover, and gusty winds, making the city feel much colder than usual.
Weather experts say the system could bring scattered showers, especially in the later part of the week. While LA doesn’t see much rain, even a light drizzle can make roads dangerously slick, thanks to the buildup of oil and dirt on dry pavement. Drivers should use extra caution and be prepared for reduced visibility during early morning and evening hours.
How Cold Will It Get? Here’s the Full Forecast
Here’s what to expect in Los Angeles over the next few days:
- Monday, March 3: A mix of sun and clouds, breezy in the afternoon. High of 63°F (17°C), low of 47°F (9°C).
- Tuesday, March 4: Partly cloudy and cool, slightly warmer than Monday. High of 64°F (18°C), low of 49°F (9°C).
- Wednesday, March 5: Cloudy with scattered showers expected in the afternoon. High of 61°F (16°C), low of 47°F (8°C).
- Thursday, March 6: Mostly cloudy with a chance of light rain. High of 65°F (18°C), low of 48°F (9°C).
- Friday, March 7: Skies begin to clear with more sunshine returning. High of 69°F (21°C), low of 50°F (10°C).
- Saturday, March 8: A full return to typical LA weather! Sunny and much warmer. High of 74°F (23°C), low of 53°F (12°C).
How to Stay Safe and Comfortable in This Unusual Weather
Los Angeles isn’t used to dealing with sudden shifts in weather, so it’s important to prepare ahead of time. Here’s what you can do:
- Keep an umbrella and a light jacket handy. Even if it’s just light rain, getting caught without cover can be unpleasant.
- Drive carefully during rain showers. Roads become slick very quickly, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Secure outdoor items. Wind gusts can be strong, so make sure patio furniture, plants, or decorations won’t get knocked over.
- If you’re sensitive to cold, dress in layers. Morning and evening temperatures will feel much cooler than usual.
When Will the Sunshine Return?
The good news is that this cold and damp spell won’t last long. By the weekend, temperatures will climb back into the 70s, and clear blue skies will return.
So while this week’s weather may feel like a rude awakening, it’s only temporary. In just a few days, LA will be back to its normal sunny, warm self. Until then, stay prepared, stay dry, and enjoy the rare rainy day in the City of Angels
