A warming trend will begin in San Diego County today, sending temperatures in parts of the region soaring to 100 and above.
The deserts will be the hottest, with highs forecast to reach up to 116 degrees by Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Temperatures of 5 to 10 degrees above normal can be expected all week, with the exception of near the coast, thanks to afternoon sea breezes, said an NWS advisory. Nighttime temperatures will also be higher than normal.
The advisory attributed the heat spell to a "combination of weak onshore gradients and a large area of high pressure building Southern California."
It said there is a possibility of monsoonal moisture accompanying the high heat.
"The added humidity could cause some discomfort with hot temperatures already in place," it said.
The NWS urged people planning outdoor activities to wear lightweight clothing and drink plenty of water.
And, the advisory warned, "never, ever leave children, the elderly or pets in enclosed automobiles, even for a short period of time. Even if the windows are partially open, temperatures can quickly rise to life-threatening levels."
The NWS forecast highs today of 71 to 76 near the coast; 78 to 83 inland; 90 to 100 in the mountains; 81 to 86 in the western valleys; and 110 to
115 in the deserts. The heat is expected to break early next week as low
pressure moves in from the west.
