Heat wave, lack of rain and warm ocean could bring early fire season to region
By Gary Robbins
Published on March 22, 2026.
The National Weather Service has warned that a heat wave, lack of rain and unusually warm ocean temperatures could lead to an early wildfire season in the region. The ocean hit 71 degrees in La Jolla on Friday, a reading more common in the summer months. This could exacerbate the ongoing drought. The heat will be noticeable at the upcoming Padres home opener, with temperatures expected to be in the mid-teens of around 70.
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