SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — An unusually intense summer heat wave is pushing temperatures across San Diego County to dangerous levels, prompting weather officials to issue a rare extreme heat warning for the coast along with inland valleys and desert areas.
The extreme heat warning remains in effect through 8 p.m. Wednesday, as temperatures are expected to climb as much as 10 to 15 degrees above normal in some parts of the county.
The heat is particularly notable along the coast, where temperatures at this time of year typically remain around the upper 70s. Instead, coastal communities are expected to see temperatures reach the mid-80s during the peak of the heat wave.
Tuesday was expected to be the hottest day of the week, but residents should not expect significant relief on Wednesday.
Heat Advisories Will Continue After Warning Ends
Although the extreme heat warning is scheduled to expire Wednesday evening, the dangerous weather will not disappear immediately.
A heat advisory will take effect after the warning and continue through Thursday evening in many areas. The mountains are also under a heat advisory through 8 p.m. Thursday.
The National Weather Service is warning residents because prolonged exposure to extreme heat can increase the risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses.
Residents are being encouraged to take basic precautions, including drinking plenty of fluids, remaining in air-conditioned spaces when possible and avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Officials are also stressing a critical warning involving children and pets.
Never leave children or pets unattended inside a vehicle. The National Weather Service warned that car interiors can reach lethal temperatures within minutes during extreme heat.
High Humidity Makes San Diego Heat Feel Worse
The temperature alone is not the only concern.
San Diego County is also experiencing unusually high humidity, adding to the discomfort and increasing the potential health risks associated with the heat.
According to the National Weather Service, a combination of monsoonal moisture and warmer-than-usual ocean temperatures is contributing to the muggy conditions across much of the county.
The mountains have also experienced some afternoon thunderstorms as moisture moves through the region.
Recent tropical activity has contributed to the humid pattern as well. Tropical storms located hundreds of miles away, including the recent Hurricane Marie, can influence moisture levels even when the storm itself is far from Southern California.
Cool Zones Offer Relief From Dangerous Heat
With temperatures climbing, residents who do not have access to reliable air conditioning can seek relief at locations designated as Cool Zones.
Dozens of sites throughout San Diego County are providing residents with places where they can escape the heat free of charge.
Officials are encouraging people to take advantage of these locations rather than remaining in dangerously hot environments for extended periods.
People who are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat, including older adults, young children and those spending significant time outdoors, should take extra precautions during the peak heating hours.
Beaches Bring Another Set of Weather Hazards
For residents hoping to escape the heat by heading to the coast, conditions at the beaches come with their own risks.
A coastal flood advisory and high surf advisory are in effect through 11 p.m. Tuesday because of lingering storm swells.
The National Weather Service said waves could reach approximately 6 to 7 feet, potentially causing tidal overflow during evening high tides.
Swimmers and surfers are being urged to use caution because of potentially dangerous surf conditions and rip currents.
That means heading to the beach may provide cooler temperatures, but residents should not assume the ocean is automatically safe.
Cooler Weather Is Still Days Away
Some improvement is expected Thursday and Friday, but San Diego County is not likely to experience a complete return to comfortable conditions immediately.
The National Weather Service expects lower humidity and cooler temperatures to arrive gradually, with meaningful relief potentially not coming until next Sunday.
Until then, residents should continue monitoring local weather alerts and taking precautions during the hottest parts of the day.
With the extreme heat warning, continuing humidity and separate coastal hazards affecting the county, officials are urging residents to treat the current conditions seriously and avoid unnecessary exposure to the heat.
How are you dealing with the unusual heat in San Diego County? Share your experience and heat-safety tips in the comments.