Published: Feb. 14, 2010
Updated: 6:20 p.m.

Winter heat spell toasts Orange County CA.

By GARY ROBBINS and IAN HAMILTON
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

It's still winter. It just didn't feel like it all weekend, nor will it today, says the National Weather Service.

A massive high pressure system developed over central California, preventing the polar jet stream from dropping south to Orange County, where countless people had cabin fever from staying inside to avoid the recent rains and cold.

The waters off Huntington Beach got crowded with more surfers as the waves grew during Sunday's warm weather.

The result: Sunday's temperatures that were as much as 18 degrees above normal. Placentia hit 87 degrees, and even John Wayne Airport, which often takes a late afternoon sea breeze, hit 76, a record for Feb. 14. The previous record was 65 degrees, set in 2007. Fullerton Airport also flirted with the record books, hitting 82, three degrees shy of the record.

The surf rose along with the temperatures, hitting 6-feet or higher in some spots, especially north Orange County, where waders were knocked over like bowling pins when they got hit by the shore break.

Bryan Dalla Betta, supervising lifeguard for the city of San Clemente, said there were no rescues in that city today, but quite a lot of people out at the beach. The number of people out today doesn't quite match the number of people out on a summer day. But, "It's a very nice beach day in February, I'd say even uncharacteristically nice. A lot of people chose to come out to the beach today," Dalla Betta said.

Off to the east, in ski country, Kim Hermon, marketing manager for Mountain High, said they have a heavy crowd but "the roads are in perfect condition" and they opened their half pipe today for the first time this season.

"The conditions are just phenomenal – one of the best in years," Hermon said.

According to Chris Riddle, director of marketing for Big Bear Mountain Resorts, they sold out today – that's 5,400 people for Bear Mountain and 7,200 for Snow Summit.

"It's a beautiful day up here. There are sunny blue skies and lots of happy people."

Sample of Sunday's highest temperatures

Placentia: 87

Buena Park: 84

Tustin: 83

Laguna Niguel: 83

Anaheim: 83

Los Alamitos: 82

Fullerton Airport: 82

Ladera Ranch: 81

La Habra: 81

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