SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — Hot weather has arrived across much of inland Southern California this week as excessive heat builds across a good portion of the Southwestern U.S. An Excessive Heat Warning will continue for the San Diego County desert with daytime highs ranging from 108 to 113 degrees through Friday, June 7 at 9 p.m.
Thursday and Friday mark the hottest days of the alert. This all comes as a ridge of high pressure expands overhead, encouraging drier, warmer, and clearer conditions.
In San Diego County, coastal clouds will persist as the marine layer rebuilds each night and morning. This will keep temperatures in the near seasonal range. The patchy clouds and fog will slowly pull back each morning/midday each day through Friday, but a full afternoon clearing of the clouds at the coast will be unlikely. This also applies to cities 5 to 10 miles inland from the coast. Daytime highs will continue to peak in the upper 60s to low 70s at the coast and upper 70s to low/mid 80s across the inland valleys.
Warmer than usual temperatures will remain in the mountains and desert. These temperatures are roughly 5 to 15 degrees above seasonal. The hottest temperatures will be in the desert.
Heat Warning in San Diego County Deserts
Heat Warning across the Western U.S.
Across the Western U.S., heat alerts will continue through Friday evening. Heat alerts started for parts of Northern California on Tuesday. Daytime highs are expected to peak from 98 to 108 degrees. Much of the state of Arizona will be under an Excessive Heat Warning for temperatures maxing out between 107 to 114 degrees in the lower desert.
Tips to stay cool:
It's important to recognize the importance of staying cool amid high heat. Every year, heat-related fatalities beat every other weather-related fatality including tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes in the United States. It's largely because heat can't be seen in the same way other weather hazards can. This is why it's especially important to heed warnings from experts including staying hydrated and avoiding strenuous activity outside. If you are going to be outside, you should have a place to seek shade and an indoor environment with air conditioning in the event of an emergency.
Remember to watch out for your pets and keep them inside if possible. Older people and young people are especially susceptible to heat related illnesses so be sure to check on your neighbors, friends, and family.
WATCH: San Diegans escape the heat with county cool zones
