Southern California has been experiencing an intense heat wave recently, bringing unusually high temperatures to the area. Some temperatures have climbed into the 100s, and the UV index has also been very high, reaching levels of 9 and 10. Despite the arrival of the fall season, Southern California still seems to be stuck in summer.
The summer of 2026 was dominated by bright colors and a revival of 2010s trends. The vibrant motif reflected the refreshing nature of the sunny season, when days were often spent surfing, swimming, tanning, or making a trip to the ice cream shop. By fall, however, most people expected a change in atmosphere. As the days get shorter and the weather cools down, fall brings images of cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and changing leaves. Students may start looking forward to wearing their favorite fall clothes or going for a crisp afternoon walk.
This year, Southern California doesn’t seem quite ready to let go of the summer. Instead of bringing warm jackets to school, students have been bringing extra water and fans. In class, students can be seen fanning themselves with folders or thin notebooks. Teachers have also been cranking the air conditioning low to help keep classrooms comfortable. During Club Rush, Leadership handed out cold waters to club leaders, providing some much-needed relief from the heat.
There have been a small number of rainy days, but rather than bringing a cool and refreshing escape from the hot summer scorch, the moisture has made the hot air more humid. The combination of high temperatures and humidity have left the air feeling sticky and heavy, making it difficult to escape the heat.
As the heat wave continues, there are several simple ways to stay cool. Staying hydrated is one of the most important—whether it is bringing a larger water bottle, or using one of the refill stations. Additionally, staying indoors can help combat the hot weather, especially during peak times such as lunch and the later afternoon. Choosing cold sandwiches, salads, or fruit over hot, heavy meals when possible are typically better options when prioritizing staying comfortable. Lastly, dressing appropriately for the weather and wearing sunscreen can protect against the intense heat and high UV levels.
While some people enjoy the warmth and sunshine, others are more than ready for fall to come. Until the temperatures finally drop, fans and water bottles remain essential school-day companions. For now, fall may have arrived on the calendar, but the weather seems to have other plans.
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