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Public Safety

National Weather Service Warns Of Dangerous Heat

The sun sets at Pacific Beach, July 2, 2018.
KPBS Staff
The sun sets at Pacific Beach, July 2, 2018.

Get ready for a heat wave. Temperatures are expected to jump into the triple digits in some places across the area and officials want everyone to take the warnings seriously.

“Heat is the number one killer in the United States, over lightning, over hurricanes, over tornadoes," said Alex Tardy, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego.

RELATED: Weekend To Bring High Heat, High Surf In San Diego County

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Temperatures are expected to reach dangerous highs over the next couple of days between Friday and Sunday.

“This particular heat wave is going to hit us kind of like a wall. Temperatures are really going to soar tomorrow. Probably 15 degrees higher than what we are seeing and feeling right now,” Tardy said.

Along the coast, temperatures could soar into the 90s. But not even the beach will be a safe place, thanks to the remnants of Tropical Storm Fabio.

“The thing we need to keep in mind is the rip current potential will be elevated," Tardy said. "Because of the swell and waves from Fabio, we're going to see more rip currents than we normally see so dangerous swimming conditions is the thing to keep in mind.”

Meanwhile, inland temperatures could go above 100. At Cowles Mountain, even avid hikers are concerned about the heat.

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“I've seen dehydration. Some people just can't do the heat, so if you are not used to it then I suggest you just don't do it," said hiker Rhonda Aldrich.

“What we find with hikers is they don't have enough water. They didn't expect it to be that hot," Tardy said.

For everyone’s safety, some trails will be closed over the weekend. County officials are also opening cooling centers. If you are outside in the heat, water, light clothing and sunblock are all recommended. But sometimes the best advice is simple.

“On Friday and Saturday it’s going to be important to pretty much stay out of the heat,” Tardy said.

National Weather Service Warns Of Dangerous Heat
National Weather Service Warns Of Dangerous Heat
Get ready for a heat wave. Temperatures are expected to jump into the triple digits in some parts of San Diego County, and officials want everyone to take the warnings seriously.

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