Baja California’s State Civil Protection agency issued a heat advisory for Wednesday, warning that Mexicali will reach temperatures of 39 to 41°C (102 to 106°F) as a high-pressure system parked over the Pacific pushes extreme heat across the peninsula.
Hottest Readings Expected Inland
Mexicali, the state capital located in the Sonoran Desert just south of Calexico, California, will bear the worst of it. The forecast calls for clear skies and intense solar radiation throughout the day, with peak heat in the early afternoon hours.
Tecate, about 100 miles west of Mexicali along the border, can expect 34 to 36°C (93 to 97°F). Winds there will blow at 15 to 25 km/h (9 to 16 mph), with gusts reaching 45 km/h (28 mph). Coastal cities like Tijuana and Ensenada should stay cooler, though Civil Protection did not specify exact forecasts for those areas.
Along the western Pacific coastline, wave heights of one to two meters (3 to 6 feet) are expected. Beachgoers and fishermen along the stretch from Ensenada south should factor in the swell conditions.
Unusual Heat for Mid-March
A reading of 41°C in March is abnormally high for Mexicali. Average highs for mid-March typically hover around 27 to 29°C (80 to 84°F). Temperatures above 40°C are more common in June through September, when Mexicali routinely ranks among the hottest cities in North America. Last summer, the city recorded a historic peak of 52.7°C (127°F) in August, a record that drew national attention and prompted emergency hydration operations.
Heat illness is a serious and recurring concern in the Mexicali Valley. In July 2025, authorities reported multiple heat stroke fatalities in the municipality. The desert terrain offers little natural shade, and afternoon exposure without water can become dangerous within an hour.
Precautions and Power Demand
Civil Protection recommended staying hydrated, wearing light, long-sleeved clothing, and avoiding outdoor activity during peak sun hours between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Elderly residents, children, and outdoor workers face the highest risk. Residents should also monitor pets and check on neighbors who live alone.
Early-season heat events often strain Mexicali’s electrical grid, since air conditioning is essential for most residents and demand spikes sharply. CFE (Mexico’s federal electric utility) has faced rolling outages during prior heat waves in the city. The advisory is in effect through Wednesday evening, with conditions expected to moderate slightly by Thursday, as reported by La Jornada Baja California.