March 13, 2026 · Weather · San Diego, CA

Record-Setting Heat Wave Grips San Diego County

An unprecedented March heat wave has descended on San Diego County, pushing temperatures well past historical records and prompting the National Weather Service to issue heat advisories across Southern California.

Downtown San Diego recorded a high of 94°F on Thursday, shattering the previous March 13 record of 86°F set in 2003. Inland areas fared even worse, with El Cajon reaching 99°F and Escondido hitting 97°F. Coastal communities like Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach, typically cooled by marine layer influence, saw temperatures in the low 90s — extraordinary for mid-March.

Impacts Across the County

The sudden spike in temperatures has strained the region's power grid, with San Diego Gas & Electric reporting a 23% increase in electricity demand compared to the same period last year. SDG&E urged customers to conserve energy during peak afternoon hours and delay running major appliances until evening.

Local beaches saw record midweek crowds as residents sought relief from the heat. Lifeguards at Mission Beach reported an estimated 15,000 visitors on Thursday alone — numbers typically reserved for Fourth of July weekends. San Diego Fire-Rescue dispatched additional units to beaches and parks for heat-related medical calls.

Schools and Public Spaces Respond

Several San Diego Unified School District campuses modified outdoor activities and PE schedules. Cajon Valley Union School District canceled all outdoor sports practices for the week. The city opened cooling centers at recreation centers in City Heights, Barrio Logan, and San Ysidro.

What's Next

The NWS forecasts a gradual cooldown heading into the weekend, with Saturday highs dropping to the mid-70s along the coast and low 80s inland. However, temperatures will remain above seasonal averages through early next week. The typical March average high for San Diego is 66°F.

"This is a significant departure from normal," said NWS San Diego meteorologist Alex Torres. "While heat events in March aren't unheard of, the magnitude and duration of this one is notable. We're monitoring closely."

Residents are advised to stay hydrated, check on elderly neighbors, and never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.