San Diego

San Diego Sizzles As Mid-March Heat Wave Nears Records

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Published on March 12, 2026
San Diego Sizzles As Mid-March Heat Wave Nears RecordsSource: Alen Ištoković, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

San Diego woke up clear, dry and deceptively comfortable near 55°F at San Diego International Airport, but the real story hits later. A Heat Advisory is in effect from 10 AM today through 8 PM tomorrow, with daytime highs expected to rocket into the upper 80s along the coast. Inland valleys are on track for the low to mid 90s, making Thursday and Friday the hottest stretch of the year so far. Locals are urged to dial back heavy outdoor activity during the peak afternoon heat.

Afternoon Heat And Gusty Winds

Highs along the immediate coast are forecast to peak near 87°F today, with light north winds around 0–10 mph and gusts up to 20 mph in more exposed spots. Inland valleys will be hotter, with low to mid-90s possible and an increased risk of heat-related illness for children, seniors, and anyone without air conditioning. Beachgoers get a double whammy: elevated surf and a high rip current risk, with surf mainly in the 3–6 foot range and sets up to 7 feet. The advisory and timing come from the National Weather Service San Diego.

Weekend Relief, Then More Heat Next Week

Onshore flow is expected to return over the weekend, bringing some cooling to the immediate coast along with the chance of patchy morning fog on Saturday and Sunday. That break may be short-lived, as guidance points to a broader warm ridge rebuilding early next week that could send interior highs back into the 90s, setting up another round of very warm weather after only a brief cooldown. Local coverage describes the heat as unusually early for March and notes that some locations may approach record highs. For local context, see KPBS.

How To Stay Safe

Hydrate frequently, avoid prolonged sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and move strenuous chores to the cooler morning or evening hours. Check in on neighbors and relatives who may not have air conditioning, and never leave children or pets in parked cars, even for a few minutes. If you are heading to the water, listen to lifeguards and watch for strong rip currents at south- and southwest-facing beaches. Updates will follow if advisories expand or change.