Desert Southwest heating up as temperatures surge toward record levels

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - High pressure building across the Desert Southwest is bringing a quick warm-up to Yuma and Imperial Counties, with afternoon temperatures climbing well above normal.

Thursday's high in Yuma is expected to reach around 88 degrees, as dry air and strong sunshine continue to dominate the region.

Forecasters say temperatures have already jumped more than 10 degrees compared to earlier in the week.

The warming trend won't stop there. By Friday and through the weekend, highs across the lower deserts are expected to push into the low to mid-90s, with some areas of southwest Arizona and southeast California nearing 95 degrees.

Meteorologists say a much stronger high-pressure system is expected to build over the western United States next week, potentially sending temperatures into the triple digits across parts of the lower deserts.

That could put the region on track to challenge daily and even monthly heat records for mid-March.

While overnight lows will still cool into the 60s, the National Weather Service says heat risk will gradually increase next week, especially for people spending extended time outdoors.

The combination of very dry air, low humidity near 10%, and warming temperatures could also raise fire danger across the region in the days ahead.

For now, skies remain mostly clear with light winds, making for warm but calm conditions across Yuma and Imperial counties as the early-season heat begins to build.