Triple-Digit Heat Expected in San Diego County Deserts, Valleys This Week

The coast is definitely the place to be Thursday and through the weekend, as a high-pressure system drives up temperatures across the region, particularly in inland desert areas.

An excessive heat warning will be in effect through 9 p.m. next Wednesday in the San Diego County deserts, with temperatures potentially topping 120 degrees.

San Diego County valleys and mountains will be under an excessive heat warning from 11 a.m. Friday through 9 p.m. Saturday, with triple-digit heat possible.

As usual, forecasters warned residents to take precautions against the extreme heat.

“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the National Weather Service advised. “Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”

Temperatures will likely inch up slightly on Thursday’s holiday, but “Friday and Saturday look to be the overall peak of this heat event,” as high temperatures in inland areas range from “10-18 degrees warmer than seasonal average.”

Highs Thursday will be 74 to 79 near the coast, 79 to 82 inland, 82 to 86 in the western valleys , 93 to 98 near the foothills, 94 to 104 in the mountains, and 113 to 116 in the deserts.

Forecasters warned people planning to gather outdoors for Fourth of July festivities that precautions need to be taken.

“A bunch of folks are likely going to be outside for the holiday, in the heat, playing games, grilling, and drinking alcohol,” according to the weather service. “All of this is a recipe for dehydration — not to mention sunburn – – if you aren’t careful and mixing in a water here and there, as well as re- applying sunscreen. The fact of the matter is, heat is the most frequent cause of weather-related illnesses and deaths, and we have an abundance of it coming in.”

Updated at 6:55 a.m., Thursday, July 4, 2024

City News Service contributed to this article.