93 Degrees in February: SoCal To Swelter In Winter Heatwave

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Warmer-than-usual temperatures that hit the region Monday are set to increase as the week goes on, building to highs in the 90s in some parts of Southern California, marking what forecasters expect to be the first heatwave of the year.

Across SoCal, temperatures are forecast to be up to 20 degrees warmer than usual by Wednesday or Thursday. In Los Angeles, that means highs in the lower 90s in some areas, with widespread temperatures in the 80s expected — even on the coast, according to the National Weather Service.

Elsewhere in the Southland, forecasters expect some inland valleys west of the mountains will reach 90s degrees — building up to even warmer temperatures than those seen Monday.

"LA county is looking at Thursday being the hottest day (of the week). That is primarily because they're going to be seeing more of the easterly winds — which we refer to as Santa Ana winds," NWS meteorologist Sam Zuber told Patch.

In Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange and San Diego counties, "we're looking at near-record hot temperatures for Wednesday. But it's very possible that Thursday could remain very warm as well."

There's a 35% chance that Palm Springs will see its first day of the year with highs in the 90s, according to forecasters.

Santa Ana winds — expected to start Wednesday and increase on Thursday — are forecast to hit Los Angeles County harder, with relative humidity dropping to the teens each day.

"Despite the warm, dry and breezy conditions, the recent rainfall will keep the fire weather risks at minimal levels" in LA County, the NWS said.

While the winds are expected to be weak south and east of LA County, forecasters say they may have to issue Wind Advisories due to a return of elevated fire weather conditions on Thursday.

The Pass Area has above an 85% chance of wind gusts greater than 35 mph on Wednesday and Thursday, while Costa Mesa has just a 10% chance, according to the NWS.

Across LA County, winds in the 20 to 40 mph range are forecast.

The warming temperatures will be followed by a low-pressure system expected to move into SoCal by Thursday, coinciding with a possible uptick in cloud cover — which will help determine just how hot it gets Thursday in the deserts, Inland Empire and Orange and San Diego counties, Zuber said.

According to the weather service, the Wednesday high temperature is expected to be 89 degrees in Santee, 84 degrees in Lake Forest, 88 degrees in Temecula, 89 degrees in Palm Desert, and 93 degrees in Woodland Hills.

By Thursday night, however, significant cooling is expected across SoCal. It will continue into the weekend, when a chance of rain is possible Saturday night into Sunday, according to the NWS.