Record-Breaking Heat Scorches San Diego Region

Borrego Springs may hit 96 degrees, shattering previous February high temperature record.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 6:07am

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Temperatures across the San Diego region are expected to remain 15 to 25 degrees above normal on Saturday, with several locations potentially setting new all-time record highs. Borrego Springs is forecast to reach 96 degrees, potentially surpassing its previous February record of 95 degrees set just a day earlier.

Why it matters

This prolonged heatwave is highly unusual for late February and raises concerns about the impacts on public health, energy demand, and the region's sensitive desert ecosystems. Meteorologists warn that the extreme heat is a troubling sign of the effects of climate change on local weather patterns.

The details

Forecasters predict record highs on Saturday in Poway, El Cajon, La Mesa, Campo, Borrego Springs, Vista, Ramona and Alpine. The blistering temperatures will be accompanied by breezy westerly winds of 15 to 35 mph in the mountains and deserts. While the heat peaks on Friday, temperatures will remain well above average through the weekend, with coastal areas reaching the 70s, inland valleys in the 80s and 90s, mountains in the 70s, and the deserts soaring into the 90s.

  • Borrego Springs tied its all-time warmest February temperature on Friday at 95 degrees.
  • Borrego Springs may surpass that record on Saturday, potentially reaching 96 degrees.

The players

Pinpoint Weather Team

San Diego's Most Accurate Forecast team that is providing updates on the extreme heat and upcoming weather changes.

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What they’re saying

“This weekend you can expect mostly 70s along the coast, 80s and 90s inland, mostly 70s in the mountains and mostly 90s in the deserts.”

— Gabe Salazar

What’s next

A storm stalled over the Pacific will eventually push into California next week, ushering in a cooling trend. Next week, temperatures will drop back near average for the coast and valleys by Monday, while still 5 to 10 degrees above normal in the mountains and deserts.

The takeaway

This record-breaking heatwave is a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change on local weather patterns. While the extreme heat will subside next week, the region must continue to prepare for more frequent and intense heat events in the future.