Excessive Heat — San Diego County Deserts, California

2020-09-04 to 2020-09-07 · San Diego County Deserts, California

Event narrative

Parts of the lower deserts reported highs above 110 degrees during this time period. The peak of the heat was on the 5th and 6th, where some areas hit close to the 120 degree mark. Anza Borrego State Park broke daily record highs on the 5th and 6th, reaching 117 degrees both days.

Wider weather episode

A very strong upper level high pressure became positioned over California along with an offshore flow in Southern California resulting in record very hot temperatures. September 5th and 6th were the hottest and several all-time highs were broken. The Valley and the El Dorado wildfires also started on Saturday September 5th, which scorched parts of the mountains.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 920646. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.