The extraordinary heat wave gripping Southern California peaked this week with record-breaking temperatures across East County — some erasing marks that had stood since records began in the late 1800s.

East County Records Broken or Tied on March 19, 2026

According to the National Weather Service, Thursday brought the following notable readings in and around East County:

• El Cajon — 98 degrees (tied all-time March record set in 1997; records going back to 1899)
• Escondido — 98 degrees (tied monthly record from March 26, 1988; records since 1893)
• Alpine — 95 degrees (broke previous daily record of 86 degrees set in 2001; records since 1951)
• Ramona — 95 degrees (broke previous daily record of 92 degrees set in 1997; records since 1974)
• Lake Cuyamaca — 84 degrees (broke daily record of 79 degrees from 1956; records since 1899)
• Campo — 96 degrees (broke daily record of 87 degrees from 1997; records since 1948)
• Palomar Mountain — 83 degrees (broke daily record of 76 degrees from 2007; records since 1901)

"There Is No End In Sight"

Thermal and Indio both hit 108 degrees Thursday — tying the U.S. national record for any day in March, set in Rio Grande City, Texas in 1954. National Weather Service meteorologist Chandler Price described the situation bluntly: "I have lived in SoCal most of my life, and this is the longest heat wave I have ever seen for this time of year. This is extraordinary."

The heat is driven by an exceptionally strong, early-season ridge of high pressure — which Price said is the strongest such system this early in the calendar year on record.

Weekend Outlook

A modest cooldown of 4 to 6 degrees is expected this weekend, with daytime highs in the upper 80s to low 90s in Santee, El Cajon, and surrounding inland areas. Temperatures are expected to creep back up early next week. The marine layer — Southern California's classic relief valve — is not anticipated to return meaningfully until later in spring.

Nighttime temperatures have also been unusually high, meaning overnight recovery from the heat has been limited across the region.

Heat Safety Reminders

• Stay hydrated — drink water before you feel thirsty
• Avoid outdoor exertion between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Check on elderly neighbors and anyone without air conditioning
• Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles
• Visit cityofsanteeca.gov or the San Diego County emergency portal for cooling center locations