What to Know
- An excessive heat warning for the deserts is in effect until Friday at 9 p.m. and the mountains until 9 p.m. Thursday
- The warning will extend to the inland valleys starting Tuesday
- The county will also have elevated fire danger due to the hot and dry weather
Southern California will continue to sit under a blanket of heat this week that will send temperatures soaring up to 120 degrees in some parts of San Diego County, according to forecasters.
The extreme heat wave that began ahead of the Fourth of July holiday already led to the death of a motorcyclist and severe heat-related illness of another, who were in Death Valley as temperatures soared to 128 degrees.
An excessive heat warning remained in effect for San Diego County's deserts until at least 9 p.m. Friday, where temperatures will range between 112-121 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The mountains are under the same warning until Thursday.
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Starting Tuesday, the warning will extend to the inland valleys, where temperatures are expected to be around 97 to 107 degrees.
The hottest days of the week county-wide were expected Tuesday and Wednesday. Here are the expected highs for Tuesday afternoon:
Southeasterly winds will add moisture later in the week, with muggy conditions for East County.
Local
More historic records could be made in the deserts on Monday and Tuesday for Borrego Springs, where we broke a record Saturday with daytime high of 118, breaking the previous record of 115 set in 1965, according to the National Weather Service of San Diego.
Above-normal daytime highs could approach records next Wednesday and Thursday.
The county will also have elevated fire danger due to the hot and dry weather.
Much of the Western U.S. has been undergoing a sweltering heat wave this week. The reason for this major heat wave is a dome of high pressure coming in from the west, bringing dry heat.
The heat wave came as the global temperature in June was record warm for the 13th straight month and it marked the 12th straight month that the world was 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than pre-industrial times, the European climate service Copernicus said.
Heat safety tips
- Avoid the sun from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., when the UV Index could be 11+
- Stay cool by taking breaks in the shade and the AC
- Wear SPF 30+ and lightweight or light-colored clothes outdoors
- Stay hydrated by drinking 8 oz. of water every 15-20 minutes
Heat-related illness is no joke. The County of San Diego is stressing caution and awareness of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Officials advised people to "drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air- conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors."
Heat warnings also apply to furry companions as well. San Diego County officials advised residents to keep their pets indoors, so long as the temperature is lower inside. People should also:
- exercise animals in early morning or evening to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat, and also skip strenuous runs or hikes
- keep pets' water supply in a tip-proof container, and make sure the dish always topped off and stays cool (as pets won't drink water that is too hot)
- if possible, install a misting system to keep outdoor areas cooler
- be sure animals, if they are outside, are constantly in a shaded area
- avoid taking pets on car trips without air-conditioning unless necessary, as a vehicle can quickly heat up (on an 85-degree day, a car can reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes, even with the windows down)
- avoid walking dogs on hot pavement
- allow dogs to use a child's wading pool
Below are the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
