By Reginald Stanley. Posted February 8, 2022, 12:51 AM.

A strong high pressure ridge and offshore flow are forecast to bring record or near-record high temperatures for February into Southern California this week, particularly from Wednesday through Friday.

Continuing an extended mid-winter dry period in the region, a high pressure ridge off the Pacific Northwest coast is expected to move eastward over the broader West Coast through the weekend. This has the potential to bring unseasonably warm temperatures to the region, especially in the inland valleys, Wednesday through Friday. High temperatures inland for that period are forecast to range between the mid 80s and low 90s. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory - exceptionally rare in February - for the Inland Empire, Orange County, and the Los Angeles Basin from 11 AM Wednesday through 6 PM Friday. Average temperatures are expected to flare up to 15 to 20 degrees above average for this time of year. Santa Ana Winds are expected to continue throughout the week, before the high pressure ridge breaks down next week, allowing for cooling temperatures.

No rain is in the forecast.