East County News Service<\/p>\n
July 13, 2026 (San Diego County) \u2014 The entire San Diego County region is bracing for a stretch of extreme heat this week. The National Weather Service is forecasting elevated to significant heat risk countywide, prompting county officials to issue safety guidance for residents and pets.<\/p>\n
Temperatures are expected to climb into the 90s across the mountains, the 100s in inland valleys and the 80s along the coast, with little overnight relief in some areas. County officials are urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, remain in air-conditioned spaces during peak heat hours, and check in on elderly neighbors and relatives.<\/p>\n
South Bay residents, particularly those near the Tijuana River Valley, could see an additional health impact from the heat, as rising temperatures tend to increase hydrogen sulfide emissions in the valley (often detectable by a strong rotten-egg odor).<\/p>\n
Residents in affected areas are advised to limit outdoor activity when the odor is present, keep windows and doors closed, and improve indoor air circulation using fans or air conditioning set to recirculate.<\/p>\n
The county also recommends air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters, activated charcoal or potassium permanganate for added filtration. People sensitive to air pollution should keep rescue medications accessible and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. Additional information is available through the county\u2019s Tijuana River Valley Environmental Dashboard<\/a>.<\/p>\n Who\u2019s most at risk<\/p>\n Extreme heat can cause a rapid rise in body temperature, leading to heatstroke, exhaustion, dizziness, nausea, confusion, headaches, and in severe cases, death. Children, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant individuals, and outdoor workers face the highest risk.<\/p>\n Recognizing and responding to heat illness<\/p>\n County health officials outlined the warning signs and appropriate response for two levels of heat-related illness:<\/p>\n Heatstroke \u2014 Signs include dizziness, nausea, confusion and headache. Anyone showing these symptoms requires immediate medical attention: call 911, move the person into shade, and begin cooling them with cool water and fanning. If the person is alert, a cool shower can help, but officials caution against giving fluids, since someone experiencing heatstroke may not be able to swallow safely.<\/p>\n Heat exhaustion \u2014 Symptoms include faintness, dizziness, heavy sweating, cool or clammy skin, nausea, vomiting, a rapid or weak pulse and muscle cramps. Those affected should be moved to a cool, air-conditioned space; if fully conscious, they can drink water, and a cool shower or cold compresses can help bring their temperature down.<\/p>\n For residents without reliable air conditioning at home, the county\u2019s Cool Zone program provides air-conditioned refuge at 33 branch libraries<\/a>, community centers, and other locations throughout the region.<\/p>\n