Less than two weeks into spring, a spell of sultry Santa Ana conditions provided a preview of summer in the San Diego area Wednesday.
The dry and warm winds out of the east delivered afternoon highs into the upper 80s and low 90s along the coast and across the inland valleys — warmth exceeding that of the local deserts, according to the National Weather Service.
The gusty heat wave resulted in a record high at Lindbergh Field, where the reading of 88 degrees exceeded the prior March 31 milestone of 84, set in 1945, the NWS reported. Likewise was the case with the maximum thermometer readings of 89 in Vista (85, 2011) and 88 in Chula Vista (86, 2003).
The hottest spots in the county were Santee, where the mercury hit the 92 mark, and Brown Field, El Cajon and Poway, each of which recorded 90- degree highs.
It was somewhat cooler in the desert towns of Borrego Springs and Ocotillo Wells, which topped out at 83 and 85 degrees, respectively.
The Santa Ana system — which generated winds up to 57 mph in the mountains, 55 mph in the inland valleys and 35 mph along the coast over the morning hours — will decrease this evening, according to forecasters. But Thursday will be another warm day, with highs in the 70s and 80s in many areas, the weather service reported.
A weak upper-level disturbance will bring scattered high clouds and a chance for light showers, mainly over the mountains.
Friday through Sunday also will be unseasonably warm, except near the coast, where areas of fog and a shallow marine layer will keep temperatures lower. A period of cooler conditions will begin early next week, with breezy winds out of the west and the return of a deeper marine layer, meteorologists advised.
