Los Angeles is basking in sunny skies and a high near 88°F today, Tuesday, July 21 — a warm but manageable day before a much bigger heat wave takes over the region. The National Weather Service says today is your window to get outside comfortably, because conditions ramp up fast starting Wednesday.
Today’s Setup
Patchy fog lingered before 5 AM, but skies from downtown to the Valley are clearing out nicely — mid-level moisture from a system named Elida disrupted the usual marine layer, so most neighborhoods are low-cloud free this morning. Expect sunny skies, a high near 88°F, and a light south-southwest wind around 0 to 10 mph. Overnight, temps only drop to around 67°F with mostly clear skies.
Best Window To Be Outside
Morning through early afternoon is your sweet spot today — get hikes at Griffith Park or Runyon Canyon done before 10 AM while it’s still comfortable. Golf courses across the basin are in great shape for early tee times too; pack golf shorts men for a round before the heat builds. Beach days at Santa Monica or Venice stay pleasant all afternoon thanks to the onshore breeze.
Rain, Wind, Fire, Or Heat Risk
Here’s the real story: the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard office says a major heat wave builds in fast, with Heat Advisories starting at 10 AM Wednesday for most non-coastal areas and Extreme Heat Watches beginning Wednesday evening ahead of a Thursday peak. Elevated humidity from tropical moisture offshore is keeping overnight lows uncomfortably warm too. Rain chances are essentially zero (3%), so no flooding concerns — just heat. Hydrate often, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours starting Wednesday, and check on elderly neighbors and pets.
What To Wear Or Bring
Light, breathable clothing and sun protection are musts through the week. If you’re heading to a backyard hang or park day, an inflatable family pool is a smart way to keep kids cool, and a soft cooler backpack keeps drinks cold on the go. For evenings on the patio, a patio furniture set and outdoor string lights make the most of these warm nights before Thursday’s peak heat sets in.
Sports & Events This Week
The Los Angeles Angels host the St. Louis Cardinals at Angel Stadium on Wednesday, July 22 — first pitch lands right as the Heat Advisory is in effect, so tailgaters should hydrate early and seek shade. Grab a Los Angeles Angels jersey or Los Angeles Angels fitted cap before you go, and find tickets on SeatGeek or tickets on StubHub. LAFC also hosts Real Salt Lake at BMO Stadium with a Son Heung-Min bobblehead giveaway, while LA Galaxy takes on St. Louis CITY SC at Dignity Health Sports Park on Thursday, July 23. Comedy fans can catch Sebastian Maniscalco and a stacked lineup at the Hollywood Improv on July 22.
Tonight’s Dinner
With temps this warm, it’s perfect grilling weather — fire up the grill for burgers, steaks, or grilled chicken with corn on the cob. An instant-read meat thermometer and grill brush and scraper set make cleanup and doneness easy, and our smoke tri-tip like brisket guide is worth a look for a true SoCal backyard classic. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Wednesday and Thursday bring the real heat, with Thursday shaping up as the peak of the wave under Extreme Heat Watch conditions. Warmth sticks around well above normal into early next week before any meaningful relief. Browse more outdoor gear deals to get ready, and keep an eye on our forecast updates as advisory details firm up.
