Southern California's record heatwave gives way to sudden cooldown
Southern California has experienced unusually warm weather this March, with several cities hitting record-breaking temperatures. The heatwave peaked on Sunday, pushing thermometers to new highs across the region.
On Sunday, Palm Springs matched its daily record of 98 degrees for March 29. Nearby, Riverside reached 93 degrees, Borrego climbed to 97, and Paso Robles saw 89 degrees—all setting new records for the date. Lancaster and Palmdale also broke their daily highs, hitting 88 degrees.
A shift is now underway. Over the next two days, temperatures will drop sharply, with widespread highs in the 60s expected by Tuesday and Wednesday. There is also a 20% chance of light rain on Tuesday, offering a brief respite from the heat. The cooler spell will mark the end of March, but the relief may be short-lived. Santa Ana winds are forecast to return by Friday, bringing warm, dry air back into the region.
The sudden temperature swing follows a weekend of extreme heat. While the next few days will bring milder conditions, the return of Santa Ana winds suggests another round of warmth is on the way. No long-term forecast is currently available for the area.
