- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Yuma Today
By the People, for the People
Unseasonable Heat Grips Yuma and Imperial Counties
Temperatures running 15-20 degrees above normal for late February
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A strong high pressure system is bringing near-record heat to Yuma and Imperial counties in Arizona, with afternoon highs expected to climb into the upper 80s and 90s through Saturday. There is a real possibility that some daily temperature records could be tied or broken, with El Centro potentially even reaching the 100-degree mark.
Why it matters
The unseasonably hot weather is highly unusual for late February in this region, which typically experiences more moderate temperatures this time of year. The extreme heat could pose risks to vulnerable populations and disrupt normal daily activities, as well as impact agricultural operations in the area.
The details
The high pressure system is driving temperatures 15 to 20 degrees above the seasonal average for late February. Current forecasts show a 40% chance that some daily temperature records could be tied or broken over the next few days.
- The hot weather is expected to last through Saturday, February 29, 2026.
The players
Yuma County
A county in southwestern Arizona known for its hot, dry climate.
Imperial County
A county in southeastern California that borders Yuma County, Arizona.
El Centro
A city in Imperial County, California that could potentially reach 100 degrees on Saturday.
What’s next
Local authorities are advising residents to take precautions against the extreme heat, such as staying hydrated, limiting time outdoors, and checking on vulnerable individuals.
The takeaway
This unseasonable heat wave is a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change, as extreme weather events become more frequent and intense. It underscores the need for communities to be prepared and resilient in the face of such environmental challenges.
