Warm Winter Streak Pushes Pasadena Temperatures into 80s by Weekend

National Weather Service forecasters are predicting a significant warming trend for Pasadena that will send temperatures soaring into the low 80s by Sunday, marking one of the warmest periods so far this winter.

The mercury could climb 8 to 12 degrees above normal seasonal temperatures as a high-pressure system strengthens over Southern California.

Early Tuesday morning brought low clouds and fog across the Los Angeles Basin, including Pasadena. However, forecasters note that high clouds moving in from the north may lead to rapid clearing, with temperatures expected to reach the mid-60s today under gradually clearing skies.

The warming trend begins in earnest Wednesday, with daytime highs climbing into the upper 60s to mid-70s – about 4 to 8 degrees above normal for mid-February. Offshore flow patterns will help clear any remaining morning clouds, leading to sunny afternoon conditions.

A brief pause in the warming trend comes Thursday as a weather system to the northeast brings gusty northerly winds to the region. However, temperatures will remain elevated despite a slight cooling effect, particularly in areas away from the coast.

The most notable temperature surge arrives for the weekend, with Friday launching a steady climb that peaks Sunday. Pasadena residents can expect temperatures to reach the mid-70s Friday before climbing into the low 80s by Sunday. This warming pattern is driven by a combination of strong high pressure, abundant sunshine, and persistent offshore winds.

No rain is in sight for Pasadena, with long-range forecasts showing dry conditions likely to persist through the end of February.

Looking ahead to next week, temperatures are expected to remain well above normal on Monday, with similar warm and dry conditions continuing. Long-range forecasts suggest no significant changes or rainfall chances through the end of the month.

While the warm weather may be welcome for weekend plans, residents should stay mindful of increased water needs for plants and pets during this unseasonably warm period. The extended dry spell, combined with above-normal temperatures, may also lead to earlier than usual spring blooming for some local plants and gardens.

Here is the latest forecast for Pasadena as of 3:32 a.m. on Tuesday 18, from the National Weather Service:

Tuesday: Patchy fog before 10:00 a.m. Otherwise, cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 67. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. South southwest wind around 5 mph becoming northeast in the evening.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 73.

Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 46.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 74.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 50.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 76.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 52.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 78.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 53.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 79.