SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — An Excessive Heat Warning for the San Diego County desert will remain in effect through Thursday night as the area battles high temperatures up to 111 degrees. This warning has lasted longer than many in the past, including a Heat Advisory that expired for San Diego County inland valley and mountain locations on Sunday.
Dangerously hot temperatures rang in the first weekend of Summer with highs trending 10-15 degrees warmer than normal on Saturday and Sunday. Monday showed a small decline in temperatures west of the mountains, but only by a few degrees. A gradual slip in temperatures will continue across coastal and inland communities, as temperatures remain warmer than usual for local mountain and desert microclimates.
While temperatures west of the mountains will slide through this upcoming Friday, another weekend warm-up is already in sight. Model data shows temperatures rising again for Saturday and Sunday across all four microclimates, from coastal communities through the deserts.
This next wave of warm weather will hit the mountain and desert microclimates especially hard considering there will be very little time for those locations to cool down, essentially extending an already long heat wave. Widespread 80s and 90s will be common with triple-digit heat reaching up to 112 for the deserts through the start of next week.
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.
- 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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