Early-season heat wave brings near record highs

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Unseasonably strong high pressure is settling over the Desert Southwest and that means a major warm-up for Yuma County and Imperial County.

Afternoon highs are climbing more than 15 degrees above normal, with temperatures pushing into the upper 80s Wednesday and widespread lower 90s by Thursday.

In fact, Thursday could mark the first 90-degree day of the year for the region, and it may just be the beginning.

Forecasters say daily record highs and even record warm overnight lows could be tied or broken from Thursday through Monday in Yuma and El Centro.

Here's a look at the records in jeopardy:

• February 25: Yuma 95° (1986) | El Centro 94° (1986)
• February 26: Yuma 96° (1986) | El Centro 95° (1986)
• February 27: Yuma 95° (1986) | El Centro 96° (1986)
• February 28: Yuma 97° (1986) | El Centro 92° (1986)
• March 1: Yuma 93° (1986) | El Centro 91° (2016)
• March 2: Yuma 94° (1910) | El Centro 92° (2016)

Overnight lows won't offer much relief either, with temperatures only dropping into the mid-50s to lower 60s across the lower deserts.

Humidity levels will fall into the 15-20% range each afternoon, creating very dry conditions. Winds will generally stay light, though some afternoon gusts between 15 and 25 mph are possible at times.

The pattern stays dry and quiet through the weekend and into early next week. While temperatures may ease slightly by the middle of next week, they are expected to remain above normal.

With minor HeatRisk developing especially during the afternoon hours residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

In short: It's going to feel a lot more like late May than late February across Yuma and Imperial counties.