Monday, 27 July 2026, 22:51
Imperial County residents faced a double threat Friday: a series of early-morning earthquakes and a prolonged, dangerous heat wave. The strongest quake, a magnitude 3.6, struck near Brawley, followed by smaller tremors. Meanwhile, an Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect through Monday, with temperatures soaring to 118°F.
Multiple earthquakes shook parts of Imperial County early Friday morning, according to KYMA. The strongest was a 3.6 magnitude earthquake centered near Brawley. Several smaller aftershocks, reaching up to 3.2 magnitude, followed. No injuries or damage have been reported so far, but residents are advised to stay alert.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), three earthquakes struck the area early Thursday morning. The first measured a magnitude 3.1 just after midnight, followed about 15 minutes later by the 3.6-magnitude quake. Then, just before 2 a.m., a third tremor measuring 3.4 shook the same area. The quakes were felt in Brawley, Holtville, Heber, and parts of Mexico. USGS says the quakes produced only weak shaking, which is common for earthquakes of this size. The Brawley area sits in one of California's most active seismic zones, where small earthquakes are frequent due to the movement of tectonic plates.
A Weather Authority First Alert Action Day is in effect through 8 p.m. Monday due to extreme and dangerous heat. Highs will range from 107 to 118 degrees, with overnight lows only dropping to between 85 and 95 degrees. The National Weather Service warns that the lack of overnight relief significantly increases the risk of heat-related illnesses. Humidity will make it feel even hotter, with “feels-like” temperatures exceeding actual highs.
Imperial County, one of California’s hottest and most agricultural regions, is particularly vulnerable to extreme heat. The combination of high temperatures and humidity can stress crops, livestock, and outdoor workers. Local cooling centers are expected to open, and officials urge residents to check on vulnerable neighbors, especially the elderly and those without air conditioning.
This heat wave follows a pattern of increasingly intense summer heat in the Desert Southwest. In recent years, Imperial County has seen multiple extreme heat warnings, with temperatures often exceeding 115°F. The current event is prolonged, with the ridge of high pressure expected to keep temperatures near 120°F through the weekend.
Practice heat safety around the clock: drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat, and never leave children or pets in parked cars. Cooling centers may be available in Brawley and other Imperial County cities. Stay informed through local alerts and the KYMA weather app.
