Weather
Los Angeles, CA Weather Alert: 94° to 68° by Oct 21
Los Angeles, CA – A major change in Southern California's weather is approaching, with temperatures expected to fall from the middle 90s to the upper 60s by Wednesday, Oct. 21, when showers and possib
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-10-16T11:39:18.706Z
Los Angeles, CA – A major change in Southern California's weather is approaching, with temperatures expected to fall from the middle 90s to the upper 60s by Wednesday, Oct. 21, when showers and possibly a thunderstorm are forecast for the Los Angeles area. The transition follows a stretch of unusually hot October weather that prompted a National Weather Service heat advisory for coastal communities. By the middle of next week, cooler temperatures and possible rainfall could affect commuting conditions, outdoor activities and travel throughout the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
According to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard, showers are likely Wednesday, with a possible thunderstorm and an afternoon high near 68 degrees. Rain chances begin Tuesday after 11 a.m. and continue Tuesday night, followed by additional precipitation opportunities Wednesday night and Thursday. The forecast does not specify rainfall totals or precipitation probabilities for the midweek period. While thunderstorms are possible, the supplied outlook does not establish a severe thunderstorm threat, damaging winds or widespread flooding.
Significant Temperature Drop Expected by Wednesday The approaching weather transition will bring one of the most noticeable temperature changes in the available forecast. Friday's expected high near 94 degrees will be followed by approximately 93 Saturday, 86 Sunday and 82 Monday. By Tuesday, afternoon temperatures are forecast to reach only 72 degrees before falling to around 68 Wednesday.
That represents a 26 degree difference between Friday's expected high and Wednesday's forecast temperature, although the decline develops over several days rather than during a single afternoon. The most substantial cooling arrives between Monday and Wednesday, when daytime highs fall another 14 degrees.
The cooler pattern will also extend into nighttime conditions. Monday night's low near 60 degrees gives way to approximately 57 Tuesday night and 56 Wednesday night. These readings represent a substantial change from the warm conditions accompanying the weekend heat advisory.
For residents across downtown Los Angeles and surrounding communities, the transition could make outdoor activities considerably more comfortable after several days of elevated temperatures. However, the return of rain chances introduces a different consideration for those planning midweek events.
Rain and Possible Thunderstorms Could Affect Travel Wednesday presents the most significant precipitation opportunity in the supplied forecast, with showers likely and a possible thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy skies are expected throughout the day, and temperatures should remain near 68 degrees. Additional showers remain possible Wednesday night before another rain chance Thursday.
The developing pattern could affect travel along Interstate 5, Interstate 10, U.S. Highway 101 and other heavily traveled Los Angeles area corridors. Wet pavement and reduced visibility are possible where showers develop, particularly if precipitation coincides with morning or evening commuting periods.
However, the National Weather Service has not confirmed highway flooding, road closures or widespread transportation disruptions. The forecast also does not specify whether thunderstorms will become strong enough to produce hazardous wind or hail. Those details remain uncertain and should not be assumed from the possibility of thunder alone.
Residents planning outdoor events, school activities or construction work Tuesday through Thursday may want to monitor updated forecasts as the rain period approaches. The timing and coverage of precipitation could change, especially several days before the expected weather transition.
Heat Advisory Remains in Effect Before Cooldown Before the cooler weather arrives, a National Weather Service heat advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. PDT Saturday, Oct. 17, for designated coastal areas of southwestern California.
The advisory includes portions of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, with temperatures reaching as high as 95 degrees. Affected communities include downtown Los Angeles, Long Beach, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Culver City and several other coastal and inland coastal locations.
The National Weather Service warns that elevated temperatures could increase the risk of heat related illness. Residents are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, remain in air conditioned environments when possible and check on vulnerable neighbors and relatives.
By Sunday and Monday, temperatures should begin moderating before the more substantial cooldown arrives Tuesday. The shift toward cooler, potentially wetter weather will become the primary concern as the middle of next week approaches.
Are you looking forward to cooler temperatures and possible rain after Southern California's October heat?
Five Day Los Angeles Weather Outlook Saturday 10/17: Mostly sunny skies are expected with a high near 93 degrees and northeast winds of 5 to 10 mph becoming southerly in the afternoon; the heat advisory continues until 8 p.m., with a nighttime low near 66.
Sunday 10/18: Sunny skies continue with temperatures reaching approximately 86 degrees, providing some relief from the preceding heat; mostly clear conditions follow Sunday night as temperatures fall near 65 degrees.
Monday 10/19: Another sunny day is expected with an afternoon high near 82 degrees, continuing the gradual cooling trend across Los Angeles; mostly clear skies follow Monday night with temperatures falling to approximately 60 degrees.
Tuesday 10/20: Partly sunny skies are forecast with a slight chance of showers after 11 a.m. and a high near 72 degrees; additional shower chances continue Tuesday night under mostly cloudy skies with a low near 57.
Wednesday 10/21: Showers are likely, with a possible thunderstorm under mostly cloudy skies and an afternoon high near 68 degrees; another chance of showers continues Wednesday night as temperatures fall near 56.
Additional Outlook Through Thursday Thursday, Oct. 22, is expected to bring mostly sunny skies, a chance of showers and an afternoon high near 68 degrees.