Phoenix, AZ – Desert communities across Arizona and southeastern California baked under mid-80s heat Wednesday, with Phoenix climbing to 85 degrees — just one degree shy of last year’s record. Yuma reached 87 degrees, while El Centro, California, broke its daily record with a high of 87.
According to the National Weather Service in Phoenix, the warmth is driven by a persistent high-pressure ridge across the western U.S., keeping skies clear and temperatures 15 to 20 degrees above normal. Typical highs for early February hover near 70 in Phoenix and the low 70s in Yuma and El Centro.
Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the afternoon, and check on vulnerable neighbors as the unseasonable heat continues.
Forecasters expect the warmth to hold through Thursday before a gradual cooldown returns to the low 70s by late week.
High temperature alerts remain in effect across much of Arizona and southeastern California through Thursday.
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