Record-breaking heat is expected to develop across San Diego County starting Friday and continuing through Monday.
A high pressure system, along with gusty offshore winds and low humidity, will push temperatures up to 20 degrees above normal, according to the National Weather Service.
As of early Friday afternoon, the mercury had climbed to 89 degrees at Lindbergh Field, beating the prior maximum mark of 87, set on this date in 1994, the National Weather Service reported.
Daytime high temperatures will range from the low- to mid-90s in the inland valleys. Coastal highs will soar to the mid-80s. The average daytime temperature for this time of year is 67.
Without the usual marine layer and cooling from the ocean, the heat wave could break records by 5 to 10 degrees, said Alex Tardy, meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
"It's going to be as if the Pacific Ocean is not there anymore over the weekend," Tardy said.
It's usually not until May when the atmosphere is capable of reaching 90 degrees, Tardy said. "So we’re really ahead of the game here by a month or two in terms of how warm it’s going to be."
Those hoping for more rain to help ease the drought will have to wait. The forecast for the next two weeks shows no sign of rainfall. Since Jan. 1, San Diego's Lindbergh Field has received 1.63 inches of rain — or 3.4 inches below the average for this period.
