Hottest weekend of the year hits Yuma and Imperial Counties
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Happy Saturday! Get ready for a sizzling holiday weekend, as we brace for the hottest temperatures of the year so far across Yuma and Imperial Counties.
Friday brought us a high of 106° in Yuma, matching the warmest reading so far this year and sitting 14 degrees above average. El Centro's official data remains missing, but nearby observations suggest they felt similar conditions.
And it's not cooling down anytime soon. With high pressure strengthening overhead, temperatures are expected to climb even further, with highs pushing into the 105° to 108° range across the lower deserts today and Sunday.
Clear skies and abundant sunshine will dominate the forecast through Saturday, making for a toasty afternoon outdoors. On Sunday, Mother's Day, some higher-level clouds will drift in, which could slightly limit heating in some areas, but most of us will still be well into the triple digits.
This level of heat will bring widespread Moderate to even localized Major HeatRisk across the Desert Southwest. That includes Yuma and El Centro, where holiday travel and outdoor activities will be in full swing.
Heat Safety Reminder:
Make sure you're drinking plenty of water, wearing light-colored and breathable clothing, and taking breaks in the shade or indoors when possible. Keep an eye on young children, older adults, and pets, who are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
Winds will also become a bigger factor this weekend. Breezy conditions out of the east and southeast will develop by late morning Saturday, with gusts between 25–35 mph possible especially in exposed areas. Winds will ease slightly Saturday night but return again Sunday.
As we look into next week, a dry weather system currently forming in the Gulf of Alaska is expected to move inland over the Pacific Northwest and eventually push into the Southwest by Tuesday. That will bring stronger breezes and thankfully cooler temperatures.
By Monday, highs will dip slightly into the upper 90s and low 100s, and by Wednesday, much of the Desert Southwest could fall back into the 80s for daytime highs below average for mid-May.
But for now, the focus remains on this intense early-season heat. Whether you're hitting the dunes, barbecuing in the backyard, or heading out for Mother’s Day plans, it's important to stay weather-aware.
These are the kind of days where heat safety isn't just a suggestion it’s a must.
