California has hit a historic heat record in a rare heatwave, as an intense high-pressure system has raised temperatures by 25 to 30 degrees above normal across Southern California.
This unusual early-season event has caused temperatures in several cities to either break or come close to March records, as of March 19.
The long-standing heat record of Rio Grande City is now being broken by North Shore, California, with temperatures reaching 108℉, the same as in March 1954, breaking the 72-year record.
Whereas in Phoenix, the recorded temperature of 101°F on Wednesday marked the earliest triple-digit temperature ever observed in the city, as per AP. The previous March 26, 1988, record was the only other instance of temperatures reaching 100°F or higher during the month.
As an early-season ‘heat dome’ continues to persist and is expected to expand eastward through the weekend, according to the NWS Weather Prediction Centre.
Early season #HeatDome persists over the western U.S., expanding east this weekend. Scores of daily record high temperatures are expected through next week with some additional monthly records for March through this weekend. Here are the updated Key Messages for this #HeatWave pic.twitter.com/pLy0USmbvS
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) March 19, 2026
Burbak has reached 98℉, surpassing its previous daily record of 89℉ in 1997 and reaching closer to the 60 year record. Woodland Hills recorded 102℉, exceeding both its daily and all-time March record.
Palmdale saw 91℉, and Lancaster reached 93℉, also exceeding their previous records.
Yet another Hot day. More records tied and broke, likely another record-breaking day tomorrow. Stay hydrated and stay cool indoors! #cawx pic.twitter.com/JfSOzwU3hv
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) March 20, 2026
According to the Los Angeles Area Forecast Discussion, the extreme heat is driven by a strong upper-level high pressure system, with atmospheric numbers that were never observed previously in March.
Across Southern California, Friday will see the peak of the heatwave, with temperatures set to run 25 to 35 degrees above normal.
The early season western #heatwave is well under way. Here are monthly high temperature records for March set over the past two days.
Future daily temperature records can be found here: https://t.co/jnP5oPknEy pic.twitter.com/koSnm0wX1N— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) March 19, 2026
Only slight cooling is expected during the day, helped by a weak sea breeze influence. By Saturday, stronger onshore flow and a developing marine layer are expected to bring more relief.
Temperatures may drop by 4 to 8 degrees, with some areas seeing up to 10 degrees of cooling. Valley highs are expected to settle into the low 90s.
As the heatwave continues through the week, the NWS has released an extreme heat warning for parts of Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties.
Temperature in the Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo areas is expected to remain between 90s and 100℉, the warning adds.
In Ventura, temperatures are estimated to range from 96℉ to 104℉. The NWS has placed the warning until 8 p.m. PT Friday, with likely limited overnight cooling.
Additionally, elevated nighttime temperatures are expected to worsen conditions, particularly in the foothill and mountain communities.
Another warm trend is expected early next week as high pressure rebuilds from Monday through Wednesday. Temperatures are forecast to rise gradually, with coastal areas reaching the 80s and inland valleys returning to the 90s.
Despite being slightly lower than current levels, conditions will remain well above normal, with a chance of renewed heat advisories, as per the area forecast.
Dry conditions are expected to persist through March, with no rainfall predictions.
However, early indications suggest a possible shift in weather patterns at the start of April, with some models pointing to a return of rain.
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