Ukiah, CA – Triple-digit-style heat arrived weeks early across Northern California, pushing temperatures to 94°F in Ukiah and forcing residents to adjust plans during what is typically a mild March stretch.
According to the National Weather Service in Eureka, a five-day heat event from Sunday through Thursday drove record-breaking highs across Lake and Mendocino counties, with Ukiah hitting 94°F and Clearlake reaching 90°F. That mark in Clearlake now stands as the earliest 90-degree day ever recorded, beating the previous benchmark by 20 days.
In Mendocino County, Ukiah tied or exceeded daily records multiple times during the stretch, including 91°F readings on both Tuesday and Wednesday before Thursday’s 94°F peak shattered a record set in 1960. The sustained heat also produced the highest five-day average temperature ever recorded this early in the year.
Lake County saw similar impacts, with Clearlake climbing from 83°F Sunday to 90°F by Tuesday. Roads, especially along Highway 20 and Highway 29, experienced heat shimmer and minor pavement stress during peak afternoon hours.
Residents are urged to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during peak heat between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., and check on vulnerable neighbors. Energy demand may also spike as cooling systems run earlier than usual.
Cooler air is expected to return by the weekend, but officials warn additional advisories could be issued if above-normal temperatures persist into early next week.
