July Fourth weekend brings heat wave to San Diego

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Dangerous heat on the way for much of the West Coast this week will threaten daily maximum high records and even all-time heat records for many areas.

A monster ridge of high pressure is building just to the west of the California and will spill over into the region by the end of the work week. Friday and Saturday look to be the hottest days.

A heat wave this strong and long-lasting is unusual for early July in Southern California.

Excessive Heat Warnings have continued for Riverside and San Diego County deserts but even more significant is an Excessive Heat Warning for inland valleys and mountains such as Escondido, El Cajon, Ramona, Julian and Temecula for Friday and Saturday.

Temperatures in those areas are forecasted to reach up to 102 degrees closer to the weekend. Desert communities are looking at extreme heat of daytime highs near 120 degrees. This is anywhere from six to 15 degrees warmer than normal this time of year.

Beaches have a natural air condition known as the marine layer, so temperatures likely won’t be as dangerous as some of the inland heat. That being said, the heat dome will try to squash our marine layer in the next couple of days and afternoon temps will still be well above normal, close to 80s.

For people seeking relief from the heat at the coast, be careful of elevated surf and strong rip currents this holiday weekend. A Beach Hazards Statement has been issued from San Diego and Orange County coastal areas through Sunday afternoon.

For Wednesday, daytime highs at the beach will reach the upper 70s, mid 80s for inland valleys, low 90s for mountains and close to 115 degrees in the deserts.

Remember, this is only the start of the heat so be prepared! Elevated fire conditions come with the hot and dry weather, and fireworks could easily spark fires.

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