Hot conditions in San Diego County were forecast Sunday to continue before conditions gradually cool through midweek.
The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning Sunday until 9 p.m. for San Diego County deserts, mountains and valleys.
Extreme heat, low afternoon relative humidity of 5-15%, and gusty westerly winds was predicted to maintain elevated fire weather conditions along the desert slopes, through the passes and into some desert areas Sunday.
Strongest southwest to west winds of 25-35 mph with gusts of 45-55 mph and higher were likely in these areas, especially near the passes starting later Sunday afternoon and continuing through Monday evening, the NWS said.
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Near critical fire weather conditions may develop in these areas for several hours later Sunday into the evening.
The extreme heat Sunday, coupled with very dry fuels in the mountains, was predicted to increase the potential for plume-driven fire growth as well, forecasters said. Elevated fire weather conditions were expected to continue in these areas through Monday, although some cooling was expected.
Better cooling and slightly higher humidity will work a little farther inland Tuesday and Wednesday.
Local
High temperatures in coastal areas Sunday were expected to be 69-94 degrees with overnight lows of 57-62. Western valley highs will be 82-87 and 94-99 in the foothills with overnight lows of 58-65.
Mountain highs were expected to be 94-103 with overnight lows of 60-70. Highs in the deserts will be 116-121 with overnight lows of 79-87.
Low pressure approaching the California coast was predicted to amplify the onshore flow Sunday through Monday and gradually push cooling farther inland through the first half of the week, the NWS said.
Areas of low clouds and patchy fog will continue nights and mornings along the coast.
An upper trough was expected to develop and approach the California coast through Wednesday. An upper ridge was expected to rebuild late this week, especially next weekend.
"This supports hotter temperatures returning to inland areas next weekend into the following week,'' forecasters said. "However, it is not looking to get quite as hot as this recent heat wave with upper heights most anomalous over the Pacific Northwest.''
Breezy northwest winds will occur each afternoon and evening Monday through Wednesday across the outer waters with gusts approaching 20 knots, with the strongest winds expected Tuesday and Wednesday.
Beating the Heat
Residents can cool down with air conditioners or fans, and those who want to go outdoors during the heat wave are encouraged to wear sunscreen. Everyone should remember to drink plenty of water in order to stay hydrated.
Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke and heat cramps pose a threat during these times, especially to vulnerable communities like the elderly and children.
The Centers for Disease Control said such illnesses can be identified by symptoms that include fatigue, headache, cramping, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting and fainting. Anyone who sees someone in distress is urged to call 911 immediately.
It is also encouraged to refrain from leaving children and pets unattended in cars in order to prevent tragedy. Temperatures in an enclosed vehicle can skyrocket within just minutes, causing serious injury or even death.
The San Diego Humane Society offered some tips to keep pets cool in hot weather. Like providing plenty of water at all times, including when away from home, leaving pets inside where it's cool at home as much as possible and not leaving a pet alone in a parked vehicle -- even with the windows open.
Safety Tips: How to Beat the Heat in San Diego County
“If you see folks profusely sweating, they have a rapid heart rate, they feel nauseous or dizzy and then the sweating stops, heat illness is actually taking effect and it can happen rather quickly,” Cal Fire spokesman Capt. Frank Lococo said.
Parveen also outlined some important heat safety tips here. This includes:
- Drink lots of water
- Take breaks from the sun/being outside
- Check on the elderly
- Wear lightweight, loose clothing
- Never leave children or pets alone in cars – it gets so hot in there, so quickly
"Please make sure your pets and livestock have cool water to drink and someplace to take shelter from the heat," Parveen said. "Remember: Never leave kids or pets in a hot car. Walk your pets in the morning and evening; pavement can be 40 to 60 degrees above the air temperatures. That's near 130 degrees and hot enough to fry an egg, let alone burn little paws!"
San Diego County will open its Cool Zones for the 2021 summer season to both humans and service animals starting June 15. Here’s a list of local Cool Zones where you can find some respite from the heat.
