The daytime high temperatures hit 100 degrees or higher Saturday in every coastal city in San Diego County, a phenomenon that rarely occurs despite October’s history as a really warm month.
The oppressive heat was caused by a combination of high pressure and weak-to-moderate offshore Santa Ana winds.
Saturday’s temperature readings were captured by a large network of thermometers that are monitored by the National Weather Service. Only a portion of these numbers are included in the agency’s main daily temperature roundup.
The readings, most of which were taken at spots west of Interstate 5, reflect highs through 4 p.m. In some cases, the high temperature lasted only a short period of time. New temperature records were set in four cities, and tied in a fifth.
Sample of Saturday’s coastal readings
Imperial Beach, 104; Chula Vista, 103; National City, 106; San Diego International,105; Naval Air Station North Island, 101; Fort Rosecrans, 101; Balboa Park, 108; SeaWorld San Diego, 100; Mount Soledad, 101; La Jolla, 103; Torrey Pines Reserve, 100; Del Mar, 100; Solana Beach, 100; Cardiff-by-the-Sea, 102; Encinitas, 103; Carlsbad, 102; Oceanside Harbor, 101.
New record high temperatures
The temperature hit 105 at San Diego International Airport, breaking the existing record for Oct. 3 by one degree. Oceanside Harbor reported a high of 101, breaking the day’s record by seven degrees. Vista topped out at 108, breaking the record by four degrees. Escondido hit 103, breaking the record by one degree. And Ramona reached 99, tying a record set in 2020.
Sunday’s forecast
Daytime highs will be significantly cooler on Sunday, but still above average. El Cajon is forecast to reach 103 while Vista and Escondido are expected to hit 101. Encinitas is forecast to reach 89. And San Diego is predicted to reach 94, which is about 20 degrees above the season average.