Los Angeles County activates cooling centers and urges precautions as heat wave approaches

Supervisor Hilda Solis, chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, announced the county has activated more than 100 cooling centers and other support measures as a dangerous heat wave is forecast to hit the region from March 16 through March 20. “Temperatures across the county will reach between 96 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, creating significant risks for our communities,” she said.

The measures are intended to protect people at highest risk, including older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, residents with chronic health conditions, outdoor workers and people experiencing homelessness. Solis cited the county’s indoor heat ordinance — which sets a maximum indoor temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit — as a key safeguard for residents who lack access to cooling.

Dr. Anish, Chief Deputy Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, said the department issued an extreme heat warning and an extended heat advisory ahead of the event and urged basic prevention steps: stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity during the hottest hours, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen, and seek air-conditioning when possible. “Yesterday public health issued an extreme heat warning and extended heat advisory as high temperatures have been forecasted in some Los Angeles regions,” Dr. Anish said. He also warned that cars can become dangerously hot and repeated the county’s instruction: never leave children or pets in vehicles and call 911 if you see a child alone in a car.

County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone described the forecasted magnitude of the heat but said wildfire risk differs from typical summer heat waves because recent rainfall has kept live-fuel moisture higher. He said the forecast is 15 to 35 degrees above normal for March and that overnight temperatures will remain high, and added: “The primary concern this week is heat impacts on people rather than extreme fire risk.” Marrone said the fire department will monitor conditions and adjust staffing and deployments as needed.

Los Angeles County Library Director Dr. Skye Patrick said the county’s library branches will be serving as cooling centers from Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, March 20, with cooling-center hours of 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during the heat event. Library cooling centers will provide air-conditioned indoor space, seating, access to water, restrooms and internet access; some branches will offer programs and adjusted hours so that locations that normally open later will open earlier on heat days.

Officials said parks managed by the county’s Department of Parks and Recreation also provide shaded, cool outdoor space and that a subset of aquatic centers will offer free recreational swim hours. The county has activated outreach teams to deliver water, electrolyte packets and sun protection to people experiencing homelessness and to share information about how to access cooling resources.

For help locating cooling centers and other heat resources, officials directed residents to https://ready.lacounty.gov/heat and to call 2-1-1. The Department of Public Health posts advisories and tips on its website and social channels.

The briefing concluded with the county urging neighbors to check on one another — especially seniors and people living alone — and a reminder that workers have rights to protections against heat-related illness and may file Cal/OSHA complaints if employers do not provide access to cooldown areas. County leaders said they will continue to monitor the situation and update residents as conditions evolve.