BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — Spring arrived with summerlike heat as temperatures climbed well above normal, driven by a strong high-pressure system over the Southwest.
A person uses an umbrella to block the sun while waiting to take a photo at the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign Monday, July 8, 2024, in Las Vegas. After causing deaths and shattering records in the West over the weekend, a long-running heat wave will again grip the U.S. on Monday, with hot temperatures also predicted for large parts of the East Coast and the South. (Wade Vandervort/Las Vegas Sun via AP)
Emily Wilson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said a powerful ridge of high pressure is responsible for the unusual warmth. “We’re having a very strong ridge form over much of the Southwest, and that’s basically causing the temperatures to rise very dramatically for our area,” Wilson said. She said average temperatures for this time of year are typically much cooler. “Our averages for this time of year are about 70 degrees,” Wilson said.
With the heat arriving early, some residents said they are trying to limit air conditioner use. Miguel, an Oildale resident, said, “Just trying to stay inside the house and turn the AC on in the morning.”
PG&E spokesperson Jeff Smith said the utility typically sees higher electricity usage during the summer months of June, July and August, but this month could be different because of the early heat. “Seeing 90 plus degree temperatures in March is certainly unusual,” Smith said.
Smith said PG&E expects demand to rise but is not concerned about impacts to the overall power grid. While the grid is expected to remain stable, increased air conditioner use can still drive up individual household costs. He said the bigger effect for many customers could be higher monthly bills. Because the heat is arriving earlier than usual, customers may see higher-than-expected energy use reflected in their April bills. “Really the biggest driver of customers energy costs is always going to be the air conditioner,” Smith said.
To stay comfortable while keeping costs down, Smith recommended using cooler parts of the day to bring indoor temperatures down. “Open your windows and your drapes early in the morning and let that natural air in to cool your home. Same thing in the evening. Bring the overall temperature of your house down,” he said. He also advised, “Don’t use your air conditioner when you’re not home.”
A pedestrian holds a cloud themed umbrella under a sunny day next to Los Angeles City Hall in Los Angeles Thursday, March. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Smith also recommended using fans, which are less costly to run than air conditioners. “We want to make sure that we provide as much information as possible so our customers know how to help keep their bills in line,” he said. With more heat expected in the coming months, PG&E encourages customers to start energy-saving habits early to avoid higher summer bills.