A spate of unusually torrid early-summer conditions in San Diego County is expected to peak early this week with uncomfortable and potentially unhealthy triple-digit temperatures in many inland locales, forecasters advised Monday.
A high-pressure atmospheric system that got the region sweltering over the weekend kept things unseasonably toasty again Monday and was expected to do so through Wednesday, when a slow cooling trend will kick in, according to the National Weather Service.
The hot spell will top out Tuesday, creating afternoon highs as much as 15 degrees above seasonal norms in the inland valleys, mountains and deserts, and in the 80s along the coast, meteorologists said.
An NWS heat advisory will remain in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday for mountain locales, where showers and thunderstorms will be possible, and desert areas, where the mercury may reach or exceed the 115-degree mark.
Health and public safety officials advise locals to keep in mind that the elderly, children and those with chronic medical conditions are more prone to heat stress than others.
The county's "Cool Zones" program has designated more than 115 air- conditioned buildings as public cooling centers. Locations and hours of operation can be found online via an interactive map at CoolZones.org, or by calling the 2-1-1 San Diego telephone service.
To avoid heat-related problems, authorities recommend:
• engaging in strenuous activities in the early morning or evening hours
• staying in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day
• wearing light, loose-fitting clothing
• drinking plenty of water while avoiding alcohol and sugary drinks
• taking cool showers
• never leaving a child, elderly person or pet unattended in a car
• shunning unnecessary strenuous work or other activities outdoors during the hottest part of the day
• avoiding unnecessary sun exposure, and wearing a wide-brim hat if venturing into unshaded areas
• checking on the well-being of elderly relatives and neighbors
• refraining from turning on ovens
An extremely elevated body temperature — 103 degrees or higher — along with dizziness, nausea, confusion and headache are signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Anyone who displays such symptoms should be moved to a shady spot immediately and fanned, sprayed with water or placed in a cool shower if alert, according to the health agency.
A friend or family member also should monitor the stricken person's temperature and keep him or her from consuming any liquids until the condition passes or medical attention is sought, according to health officials.
