Scorching Southern California Weather Could Bring Early Fire Season

Experts warn that the heat wave and dry conditions could lead to vegetation drying out sooner than usual.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:35pm

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An 'unusual, early-season heat wave' is blanketing Southern California, with record-breaking temperatures expected in the coming days. Experts warn that the hot, dry conditions could lead to vegetation drying out sooner than normal, potentially ushering in an earlier wildfire season in the region.

Why it matters

Southern California faces the risk of wildfires all year round, but the timing of the fire season is crucial. An earlier start to the season, driven by factors like heat waves and drought, can have major implications for public safety, property damage, and the strain on firefighting resources.

The details

The upcoming heat wave is forecasted to bring temperatures more than 20 degrees above normal for this time of year in Southern California. This, combined with recent Santa Ana wind events, is expected to speed up the 'curing' process where green vegetation dries out. Typically, this curing process begins in May and June, but the early heat could cause it to happen sooner, turning the vegetation into prime wildfire fuel.

  • The heat wave is expected to continue through Friday, March 20.
  • Southern California has seen average temperatures up to 8 degrees above normal throughout December 2025 and January.

The players

Paul Pastelok

AccuWeather lead long-range expert.

Brent Pascua

Cal Fire Battalion Chief.

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What they’re saying

“The elevated temperatures are expected to continue through Friday, March 20, the NWS said.”

— National Weather Service (usatoday.com)

“Right now, with the warmer temperatures, we're keeping a close eye on things. Our fuels are not quite cured or dried out just yet, they still have a lot of fuel moisture in them, which is a good thing. But we're keeping a very close eye on the lack of rainfall we're receiving right now, and what that means is our peak fire season could come a lot earlier than normal.”

— Brent Pascua, Cal Fire Battalion Chief (usatoday.com)

What’s next

The National Interagency Fire Center will be closely monitoring the situation and updating its wildfire potential outlook for the coming months.

The takeaway

This early-season heat wave underscores the growing threat of climate change and the need for Southern Californians to be prepared for the possibility of an earlier and more intense wildfire season. Proactive measures like vegetation management and emergency planning will be crucial in the months ahead.