Strengthening high pressure is expected to send daytime temperatures in San Diego County's deserts into the triple digits this week, forecasters said Monday.
A National Weather Service excessive heat watch for the deserts is scheduled to take effect Tuesday afternoon and extend until Friday afternoon. Afternoon highs during the advisory period could soar to 114 degrees.
"High pressure aloft will gradually strengthen across Southern California through next weekend, bringing a slow warming trend," according to the weather service. "For Tuesday into next weekend, high temperatures will be 5 to 10 degrees above average with high temperatures of 108 to 114."
Residents of desert areas were advised to avoid outdoor activity, if possible, keep nonalcoholic and noncaffeinated drinks on hand and wear sunscreen, lightweight loose clothing and a hat. Forecasters said air conditioned areas should be taken advantage of and warned that kids and pets should not be left in enclosed vehicles.