An Excessive Heat Warning will take effect as temperatures soar into the 90s inland and triple digits for the mountains and deserts.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — A prolonged heat wave will continue to bring dangerously hot temperatures to inland San Diego County this week with peak heat expected on Friday and Saturday, coinciding with Independence Day Weekend. The Fourth of July will also be warmer than we've seen for most of the week as temperatures gradually climb day over day. Some locations east of the coast can expect afternoon high temperatures to trend between 10 and 15 degrees warmer than normal, during what is already a hot stretch of summer.
Currently, an Excessive Heat Warning is in effect for San Diego County deserts. The afternoon temperatures will peak between 115 to 122 degrees each afternoon through early next week. This prolonged period of warmer than usual heat could bring record-breaking temperatures for the desert at times. Experts suggest limiting your time outside during daytime hours and staying hydrated, in the shade, and ideally with AC.
Excessive Heat Warnings have also been issued for San Diego County mountains and desert from 11:00 a.m. Friday until 9:00 p.m. Saturday. Inland temperatures are already quite warm, but they will get even hotter on Friday and Saturday for those areas. Inland valleys heat will reach up to 102 degrees for cities including Ramona, Campo and Valley Center. For the mountains, temperatures will peak up to 104 degrees.
This strong area of high pressure will bring warmer temperatures to the coast, but the repeating marine layer will keep those cities mild compared to the rest of the county. Daytime highs will peak in the upper 70s with low 80s also possible. The normal temperature range for this time of the year is low to mid-70s.
It's still suggested you limit time outside across the mountains and deserts through next week. If you need to spend time outside, you should be wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothes and drinking more water than you think you need.
San Diego County health officials remind people in affected areas to take extra precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses and to pay extra attention to children, the elderly and pets.
San Diego County CAL FIRE Fire Captain Mike Cornett said this time of year is when there are more rescues from heat-related illnesses. He said the most common are heat stroke and heat exhaustion, most often while hiking or on a trail. He said there are ways to be prepared for the risk.
"Stay hydrated, if we're gonna go out in hikes start in the early morning hours, try to finish your hike by 12 o'clock, one o'clock when it gets to the heat of the day, wear some light clothing, wear sunscreen, bring enough water," Cornett said.
San Diego County cool zones
San Diego County offers designated "cool zones" for people to cool off in a safe, air-conditioned space. For a full list of locations, including libraries, community centers, and other locations, click here.
- First and foremost, if you find someone who is suffering from symptoms of heatstroke or heat exhaustion—dizziness, nausea, confusion, headache—call 9-1-1 and start cooling them. But DO NOT give them fluids to drink. A person with heatstroke may not be able to swallow. Fluids could run down their tracheas into their lungs and make it hard for them to breathe.
- After calling 9-1-1, start cooling the person by moving them into the shade, spraying them with cool water and fanning. Place them in a cool shower if they are alert, monitor their body temperatures and continue cooling them.
- Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler. Do not rely on electric fans for cooling if temperatures exceed 90 degrees.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
- Drink plenty of water (avoid alcohol and sugary drinks) and don’t wait until you are thirsty.
- Take cool showers.
- Never leave a child, elderly person, or pet unattended in a car.
- Keeping pets cool in hot weather.
- Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities outside during the hottest part of the day.
- Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and wear a wide-brim hat if you need to be in the sun.
- Avoid using the oven to cook.
- Keep your pets indoors if the temperature is lower inside.
- Exercise pets in the early morning hours or early evening to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat. Avoid strenuous runs or hikes.
- Keep your pets’ water supply in a tip-proof container, always topped off, and be sure it stays cool (pets will not drink water that is too hot).
- Consider a misting system to keep the outdoor areas cooler.
- Be sure your pet has shade ALL DAY if they are outside. Remember, the sun’s position changes during the day.
- Do not take your pets for car trips unless necessary. A car can heat up very quickly. On an 85-degree day, a car can reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes and soar upward even with the windows down an inch or two.
- Don’t take your dogs for walks on the hot pavement. If it is too hot for you to walk barefoot, then don’t make your dogs do it either.
- Consider adding a child’s wading pool for your dog. Many dogs will keep cool by “taking a dip.”
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