Dangerous heat wave headed for San Diego: Multiple Extreme Heat Warnings, Heat Advisory expanded to coast
A dangerous and prolonged heat wave is set to grip San Diego County beginning Thursday, with the National Weather Service issuing Extreme Heat Warnings for inland communities, the mountains and the deserts, and a Heat Advisory for coastal areas later this week.
Forecasters say strengthening high pressure will bring the hottest temperatures of the year so far, with dangerous heat expected to last through the weekend and into early next week.
The first Extreme Heat Warning takes effect Thursday at 10 a.m. for the mountains and deserts. A second Extreme Heat Warning begins Friday at 10 a.m. and expands to include San Diego County valleys, Orange County inland areas and the Santa Ana Mountains and foothills. Both warnings remain in effect until 8 p.m. Sunday.
Meanwhile, a Heat Advisory will also go into effect for coastal communities, including San Diego beaches, from 10 a.m. Friday through 8 p.m. Sunday, as temperatures climb into the low 80s near the coast.
By Saturday and Sunday, temperatures are expected to peak with widespread moderate to major Heat Risk across inland communities and major to locally extreme Heat Risk in the deserts. Some mountain and desert locations could challenge or break daily temperature records.
Forecast highs this weekend include:
Low 80s along the beaches
90s in the western valleys and mountains below 7,000 feet
Low 100s in the eastern San Diego valleys
100 to 110 degrees across the Inland Empire and High Desert
115 to 120 degrees in the low deserts
The National Weather Service says the combination of very hot afternoons and unusually warm overnight temperatures will increase the risk of heat-related illness, especially for those without air conditioning, older adults, young children and anyone spending extended time outdoors.
The marine layer is also expected to shrink later this week, allowing sunshine and hotter temperatures to reach farther west than earlier in the week.
While the heat is expected to ease slightly early next week, temperatures will likely remain above average.
Beach Hazards Continue
The heat won’t be the only concern along the coast. A long period south swell generated by Hurricane Genevieve will build Wednesday and peak Thursday into Friday, creating dangerous swimming conditions.
A High Surf Advisory and Coastal Flood Advisory take effect Wednesday evening and continue through Saturday. South-facing beaches in Orange County could see 5- to 9-foot surf, while most San Diego beaches can expect 3- to 6-foot waves, along with strong rip currents, dangerous longshore currents and the potential for minor coastal flooding during evening high tides.
Officials urge beachgoers to use caution, stay near staffed lifeguard towers and avoid entering the water if conditions appear dangerous.
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