Unseasonably warm weather and hazardous marine conditions forecast in Southern California through early next week

A heat wave expected to peak on Monday, combined with hazardous marine warnings, prompts caution from authorities across Southern California.

by Mac Douglass

Updated March 22, 2025

NASA Satellite Image Highlights Rising Land Surface Temperatures in Southern California — This NASA Worldview satellite imagery captured on March 22, 2025, illustrates elevated land surface temperatures across Southern California, with Ventura, California prominently marked.

Southern California is under dual weather alerts this weekend as unseasonably warm temperatures and hazardous marine conditions grip the region through at least Tuesday, March 25.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a moderate heat risk advisory for inland valleys and a combination of Gale Warnings and Small Craft Advisories across coastal waters from Santa Barbara down through Los Angeles and Orange counties.

Temperatures are expected to soar into the low-to-mid 90s in parts of the Los Angeles and Ventura Valleys on Monday, raising the heat risk to moderate levels. Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks, and avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours.

The heat wave, expected to peak on Monday, could send daytime highs into the low-to-mid 90s in the Ventura and Los Angeles Valleys—well above average for late March. Forecasters warn that the spike in temperatures, paired with mostly clear skies, could result in heat-related illnesses for people without access to air conditioning or those working outdoors.

The agency’s HeatRisk tool currently categorizes the threat as Level 2 – Moderate, signaling a heightened potential for heat-related impacts, particularly for sensitive groups including young children, older adults, and outdoor workers.

In addition to the inland heat, strong winds and rough seas are expected to make for dangerous conditions along the Southern California coast. The Gale Warning, issued Saturday afternoon, covers the outer waters from Point Conception down through San Clemente Island. Small Craft Advisories are in effect closer to shore, urging recreational boaters and commercial vessels to avoid unnecessary trips during this period of high winds and elevated wave activity.

Beachgoers aren’t exempt from danger, either. A Beach Hazards Statement is in effect for the Southern California coast, highlighting concerns about strong rip currents and elevated surf, particularly on west- and northwest-facing beaches.

Real-Time Satellite Monitoring

To give readers a dynamic view of how this weather event is evolving, NASA's Worldview platform provides an interactive satellite map that displays real-time land surface temperatures, cloud coverage, and other environmental layers.

Use the interactive map a to explore live conditions across Southern California and beyond. Viewers can toggle additional data layers—including aerosol concentrations, and wind patterns—to better understand the environmental factors contributing to the current heat and marine hazards affecting the region.

Safety Tips

Authorities urge residents and visitors to take the following precautions:

Stay Hydrated: Drink water frequently, even if you’re not thirsty.
Limit Outdoor Activities: Avoid strenuous activity between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when temperatures peak.
Check on Vulnerable Individuals: Ensure the elderly, children, and pets are not left in hot spaces.
Use Caution on the Water: Heed all marine warnings and stay updated with local forecasts before heading out.

With spring just beginning, the early-season heat wave is a reminder that climate and coastal conditions are becoming more volatile—and that preparation is key.

For the latest updates, visit weather.gov/lox.