SAN DIEGO, Calif. — San Diego County is facing a grueling stretch of extreme heat, with forecasters warning that temperatures will remain well above average through the week and potentially continue into next week.
A heat advisory is in effect for coastal areas from 10 a.m. Tuesday through 8 p.m. Friday, while the mountains and valleys will transition from a heat advisory to an extreme heat warning beginning Tuesday morning.
The county’s desert communities face an extreme heat warning through 8 p.m. Friday, with the most dangerous conditions expected across the lower deserts.
Forecasters are expecting widespread moderate to locally major heat risk across the coast, valleys and mountains, except near beaches and at higher mountain elevations. The lower deserts could experience major to extreme heat risk.
Temperatures Could Reach 115 Degrees
The worst of the heat is expected Tuesday through Thursday, when temperatures are forecast to climb roughly 8 to 12 degrees above average.
Downtown San Diego reached 86 degrees Sunday and could climb to around 88 degrees by Thursday. While coastal temperatures will generally remain below 90 degrees, overnight temperatures are expected to stay unusually warm.
Inland communities are facing a much more intense stretch, with daytime highs expected to range from 95 to 107 degrees throughout the week.
The desert will see the most extreme conditions. Borrego Springs reached 112 degrees Sunday and could climb as high as 114 degrees by Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
The low deserts are expected to repeatedly reach 110 to 115 degrees from Tuesday through Friday, accompanied by major to extreme heat risk.
Warm Nights Could Make Heat More Dangerous
The danger will not disappear after sunset.
Inland nighttime temperatures are expected to fall only into the mid-70s, while coastal areas may remain in the lower 70s overnight.
Those warm nighttime temperatures can be particularly concerning for people who do not have reliable access to air conditioning because they provide less opportunity for the body and living spaces to cool down.
Forecasters say above-average high and low temperatures could continue into next week, meaning residents may have to deal with prolonged heat rather than a brief spike.
Cool Zones Offer Relief Across San Diego County
With the heat expected to persist, San Diego County health officials are encouraging residents to take precautions and use available cooling resources.
Cool Zones are open throughout San Diego County and provide free, air-conditioned locations where people can escape dangerous temperatures.
Health officials are particularly urging older adults and others who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat to avoid unnecessary exposure.
Residents are encouraged to stay indoors as much as possible, keep shades and blinds closed and use the coolest areas of their homes. The lowest floors are often cooler than upper levels.
Officials Share Tips to Stay Safe in Extreme Heat
Health officials recommend avoiding strenuous physical activity during the hottest part of the day. Those who need to exercise outdoors should consider doing so between 4 and 7 a.m., when temperatures are typically cooler.
Other recommendations include:
- Drink more fluids than usual, with water being the best choice.
- Avoid or limit alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen the effects of heat.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing.
- Take a cold shower to help cool your body.
- Never leave children or pets inside a vehicle, even if the windows are cracked.
- Stay indoors whenever possible during the hottest portions of the day.
As temperatures climb across San Diego County, residents are being urged not to underestimate the heat, particularly in areas where temperatures will push well into triple digits.
With extreme heat warnings remaining in place through Friday and above-average temperatures potentially continuing into next week, officials say taking precautions early can help reduce the risk of heat-related illness.
How are you preparing for the San Diego heat wave? Share your tips or experience in the comments.