Southern California is known for its dry heat. But the region is seeing abnormally humid weather as a “super” El Niño brews offshore.
The region is currently experiencing abnormally high humidity levels and temperatures 5 to 10 degrees above average for this time of year, according to the National Weather Service. The increased humidity is partly due to rising ocean temperatures, which are also 4 to 8 degrees warmer than average.
The active El Niño is expected to strengthen through the end of the year. The NWS forecast a 97% chance that the El Niño will persist into the spring of 2027.
KTLA’s Kirk Hawkins reports that the humid conditions are driven by monsoonal moisture moving into the area. Although the region saw slightly lower humidity levels Sunday, the hot and humid conditions are expected to continue into the workweek.
“Unfortunately we are not getting a break from that muggy feeling when you step outside the door,” Hawkins said.
The hot and humid conditions are expected to persist during the daytime and nighttime hours. The weather will create an increased risk for heat-related illness, the National Weather Service warns. A heat advisory remains in effect for the Los Angeles area until 8 p.m. Monday as temperatures in the 80s and 90s are forecast for the region.
Abnormally hot and humid weather is in the forecast for Southern California as two hurricanes churn in the Pacific. (NASA Worldview satellite image taken on July 26, 2026)
Hurricane Genevieve is building strength off the coast of Mexico. (NWS)
Two hurricanes churning in the Pacific are also pushing tropical moisture into Southern California KTLA meteorologist Olga Ospina reports. Hurricane Fausto is generating 85-mph winds as it approaches the eastern shore of Hawaii. Fausto is expected to weaken in the coming days.
Hurricane Genevieve, meanwhile, is “rapidly strengthening” off the west coast of southern Mexico, according to the NWS. The storm is expected to create more hazardous surf conditions across Southern California.
“While the projected path keeps it well south and west of the border due to strong anticyclonic flow aloft, it’s likely to create another surge of dangerous south swells, perhaps as early as later this week,” the NWS forecast reads.
A beach hazards statement is in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday. Beachgoers in the Los Angeles area can expect dangerous rip currents and powerful 3 to 6-foot waves.
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