Southern California Sets New Heat Records as the Region Endures High Temperatures

Record-Breaking Heat Wave Affects Southern California

LOS ANGELES – A significant heat wave is currently enveloping Southern California, bringing dangerously high temperatures that are expected to persist through Wednesday. Experts warn of increased risks for heat-related illnesses as the region experiences what feels like summer in late winter.

The heat wave has shattered numerous records, with some areas witnessing their hottest March days on record. Meteorologists attribute this surge in temperatures to a robust high-pressure system that is raising temperatures by as much as 35 degrees above average.

"This big dome of high pressure is just anchored over the Southwest, continuing to produce this offshore flow, warming up the atmosphere 20 to 30-plus degrees above normal," noted FOX 11 meteorologist Maria Quiban.

Since Sunday, unseasonably warm conditions have affected areas from the coastline to the Inland Empire. Officials are urging residents to limit outdoor activities and stay hydrated as the heat continues. The unseasonably high temperatures come just days before the official arrival of spring on March 20.

Record Highs Across the Region

Several locations across Southern California not only recorded daily highs but also established new warm temperature records for March. Among the significant temperature spikes on Tuesday, March 17, were:

Los Angeles County:

• Woodland Hills: 101 degrees (previous record: 93 in 2007)
• Long Beach Airport: 99 degrees (previous: 95 in 1978)
• Hollywood Burbank Airport: 99 degrees (previous: 92 in 1978)
• UCLA: 94 degrees (previous: 85 in 1978)
• Los Angeles International Airport: 92 degrees (previous: 91 in 1978)
• Palmdale Airport: 90 degrees (previous: 88 in 2017)
• Lancaster: 90 degrees (previous: 88 in 2007)

Orange County:

• Anaheim: 100 degrees (previous: 90 in 2010)
• Santa Ana: 100 degrees (previous: 94 in 1978)

Riverside County:

• Riverside: 101 degrees (previous: 92 in 2004)
• Idyllwild: 85 degrees (previous: 76 in 2017)
• Palm Springs: 103 degrees (previous: 100 in 2007)
• Indio: 104 degrees (previous: 101 in 2007)

San Bernardino County:

• Big Bear: 74 degrees (previous: 71 in 2007)

Ventura County:

• Camarillo Airport: 97 degrees (previous: 89 in 2019)
• Oxnard: 96 degrees (previous: 85 in 2019)

The coming weekend is anticipated to provide some relief from the current conditions, with afternoon temperatures expected to decrease by approximately 10 degrees. The National Weather Service has also indicated that further temperature records may be set as April approaches.