When was this published?

This article was first published on July 22, 2026 by Los Angeles Times - California and curated for The Los Angeles readers.

Who reported this story?

This story was reported by Alex Wigglesworth at Los Angeles Times - California.

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Heat wave smothering Southern California nears its peak

Summary by The Los Angeles Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times - California · July 22, 2026 · 1 min read

A heat wave that's expected to rank among the hottest of the year so far will peak in Southern California on Thursday with temperatures 8 to 12 degrees above normal, and muggy conditions limiting overnight cooling, forecasters said.

Why this matters in The Los Angeles

The impending peak of this heat wave on Thursday will likely test the city's ability to provide relief to its most vulnerable populations, particularly the homeless and elderly. With temperatures expected to soar 8 to 12 degrees above normal, the strain on local cooling centers and emergency services may become more pronounced. The muggy conditions that will limit overnight cooling will also exacerbate the heat-related health risks, making it crucial for residents to take necessary precautions. As the heat wave reaches its peak, residents can expect increased demand for electricity, which may lead to power outages in some areas. The city's response to this heat wave will be closely watched, especially in areas with limited access to air-conditioned spaces and other cooling resources. Residents are advised to stay hydrated, stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, and check on neighbors who may be susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

About this story

Original reporting by Los Angeles Times - California. The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit Los Angeles Times - California. Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: local · Published: July 22, 2026 · Source: Los Angeles Times - California · Reading time: 1 min

Summary created by	The Los Angeles Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed
Original reporting	Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times - California
Original story	Read at the source
Source published	Jul 22, 2026
Indexed here	Jul 22, 2026
AI assistance	Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text
Prepublication human review	No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples

Heat wave smothering Southern California nears its peak

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