High-Pressure Ridge Brings Warmer, Dry Weekend to Yuma County; Small Quakes Felt

A persistent ridge of high pressure pushed daytime temperatures into the upper 70s across Yuma County on and after Jan. 15, 2026, with some spots nudging toward 80°F while nights cooled into the upper 40s to low 50s. KYMA’s weather team reported clear skies and dry conditions, and forecasters said no significant rain was expected in the near term. Residents also reported feeling small seismic events tied to an Imperial County earthquake cluster.

The most immediate impact was on daily routines: warmer afternoons made outdoor chores and agricultural work more comfortable compared with typical January chill, but the sharp day-to-night temperature swing can stress people without stable housing or reliable heating and cooling. For people who are older, live with chronic health conditions, or work long shifts outdoors in Yuma’s fields and packing sheds, even mild warm spells can raise risks for dehydration and heat-related illness when combined with physical exertion.

Dry weather has public health consequences beyond temperature. Low humidity can aggravate respiratory conditions and dry skin, and dry fuels increase the potential for brush and rangeland fires if an ignition occurs. Local health providers and community organizations should be mindful of these risks when planning outreach and services, particularly for Spanish-speaking and migrant communities who may have limited access to healthcare or flexible work protections.

The weekend’s small earthquakes, originating in nearby Imperial County, were noticeable to some residents. Seismic activity in the region is not unusual, but even modest tremors can rattle nerves and highlight disparities in housing safety. Older or substandard structures and mobile homes may be more vulnerable to damage in areas with limited resources for repairs. Emergency preparedness measures such as keeping basic kits stocked, securing heavy furniture, and reviewing household evacuation plans are low-cost steps that can make a difference for families and neighbors.

Policy and community-level responses matter. Continued dry conditions underscore the need for coordinated planning among public health agencies, employers, and social services to protect farmworkers, older adults, people experiencing homelessness, and others with limited capacity to adapt to shifting conditions. Ensuring language-accessible information, cooling or warming options, and outreach to remote communities will help reduce inequities in exposure and outcomes.

For Yuma County residents, the takeaway is practical: expect continued mild, dry weather and plan for temperature swings between daytime warmth and cooler nights, and treat recent tremors as a reminder to check emergency supplies and housing safety. Local forecasts and public health notices will guide whether the ridge breaks or the seismic activity changes, and community-minded preparedness will help protect the most vulnerable in the weeks ahead.