SoCal Braces for Record-Breaking Heatwave: Friday Forecast Soars into 90s
Southern California is preparing for a significant heat event. Forecasters predict high temperatures on Friday, February 26, 2026. This heat could break several daily temperature records. It follows a period of winter storms in the region.
Unseasonably Warm Temperatures Ahead
A strong high-pressure system is driving the warming trend. This system will significantly increase temperatures across the Southland. The warmth began on Thursday and is expected to peak on Friday. Many areas will see temperatures 15 to 20 degrees above normal for late February. Meteorologist Todd Hall noted this anomaly. He stated the warm weather would likely persist through the weekend. A cooling trend is then anticipated.
Record Highs in Sight
Burbank is forecast to reach 89 degrees Fahrenheit. This would surpass the 1986 record of 86 degrees. Downtown Los Angeles could tie its record high of 88 degrees. That record was set just last year. Woodland Hills might see 91 degrees. This is just shy of its 1986 record of 92 degrees. Farther south, San Diego County could experience even hotter conditions. Forecasts suggest highs in the upper 90s in low desert areas. This is up to 25 degrees above seasonal norms. The National Weather Service’s San Diego office even posted a lighthearted message on X about the unusually pleasant weather.
Causes and Context
Such winter heat spikes are not entirely uncommon for Southern California. They are often linked to high-pressure systems and sometimes Santa Ana winds. These winds carry warm, dry air from desert regions. This specific event follows recent winter storms. Those storms caused flooding and infrastructure damage. This pattern of sharp temperature swings is noted by meteorologists. In prior years, February heat waves have also occurred. For instance, in February 2022, temperatures soared into the 80s and 90s, breaking records and prompting heat advisories. Similarly, in February 2026, a similar pattern was noted with temperatures 20 degrees above normal.
Potential Implications
While enjoyable for many, such unseasonable warmth carries implications. Health officials often remind residents to take precautions. These include staying hydrated and avoiding strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat. For the very young, elderly, and those without air conditioning, the risk of heat-related illness increases. However, with recent rains, wildfire risks may be lower than typical for such warm and dry conditions.
Wider Weather Outlook
After Friday’s peak, temperatures will decrease slightly on Saturday. Onshore winds will help moderate the heat. Many areas will still remain 10 to 15 degrees above normal. Sunday is expected to bring further cooling. Skies may become partly to mostly cloudy. Looking ahead to March 2026, forecasts suggest continued variable weather. California may see a mix of warmer, drier conditions, especially in southern regions. Northern areas might experience more rainfall. Average temperatures in Los Angeles during March are typically in the low 70s Fahrenheit.
Broader Trends
February 2026 has seen notable temperature fluctuations across California. A “whiplash” transition from extreme warmth to heavy snowfall occurred earlier in the month. This highlights the dynamic nature of the state’s winter weather. Many forecasts for February 2026 predicted warmer-than-normal conditions for Southern California. This is a continuation of trends observed in recent years, where winter heat events have become more frequent. This popular news out of Los Angeles is part of a larger weather narrative for the region.
