A heat wave arrived in Southern California Sunday, with near-record temperatures expected over the next few days in some areas, including San Diego County deserts.
An excessive heat warning was issued Monday and has been extended until 8 p.m. Wednesday for the San Diego County deserts and valley areas, including Escondido, El Cajon, San Marcos, La Mesa, Santee and Poway, with daytime temperatures expected to range between 95 and 107 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
Get top local stories in San Diego delivered to you every morning. >Sign up for NBC San Diego's News Headlines newsletter.
Sunday's highs were to expected reach 82 degrees in downtown San Diego, with inland valley areas expected to reach 97 and deserts ranging from 110 to 114 degrees. Coastal areas were expected to be in the high 70s with light winds.
Temperatures in the deserts were expected to reach as high as 116 degrees Monday and 117 on Tuesday.
The hot, dry conditions were also expected to bring elevated brush fire danger in vulnerable areas through at least Wednesday.
Local
Downtown San Diego will remain in the low 80s through the early part of the week, but will drop to about 77 on Thursday, with a significant cooling trend expected heading into next weekend. Most of San Diego County will continue to be in the high 90s, but will cool down by the end of the week.
The NWS advises drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air- conditioned room, staying out of the sun and checking up on relatives and neighbors.
Those who need to take refuge in air-conditioned spaces can do so at San Diego County's Cool Zones listed here.
Children and pets should never be left inside vehicles without air conditioning for any length of time, as death could occur in minutes when temperatures are high.
Officials suggest learning the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and to wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing when possible.
