It started to feel a lot like summer across parts of San Diego County Thursday, with temperatures expected to push triple-digits in some areas into Friday.
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory that will be in place through 6 p.m. Friday for San Diego County valleys, including the cities of Escondido, El Cajon, San Marcos, La Mesa, Santee and Poway. Forecasters said temperatures of 95 to 100 degrees are anticipated, with the peak temperatures anticipated Thursday and Friday.
San Diego County health officials are urging residents to take precautions to avoid heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. San Diegans should also make sure vulnerable populations, especially children, older adults and pets, are protected.
"Older adults, infants and children, and people with chronic medical conditions are more prone to heat stress," said Dr. Wilma J. Wooten, county public health officer. "People with elderly neighbors should check on the well-being of the older persons."
The valleys will also be under a wind advisory through 4 p.m. Thursday, with winds of 15 to 25 mph anticipated, along with gusts of up to 50 mph.
Coastal areas — including San Diego, Vista, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Chula Vista and National City — will also be under a heat advisory for the same stretch, with the NWS predicting temperatures between 88 and 96 degrees.
"The heat will be most widespread on Thursday and Friday when the shallow marine layer will be pushed out to sea," according to the NWS. "A strong ridge aloft will collapse over the weekend, allowing more fog and cooler air to spread inland. Much colder air will arrive early next week, preceded by strong onshore winds over the mountains and deserts, and the potential for widespread rain and mountain snow on Tuesday."
The county operates the Cool Zones program and has designated more than 100 air-conditioned buildings as cooling centers. Locations and hours of operation can be found on a new interactive map on CoolZones.org, by calling 211 San Diego or by calling (800) 510-2020, ext. 6 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The sites are identified by a light blue Polar Bear Cool Zone logo.
Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, masks are strongly recommended indoors.
Meanwhile, forecasters issued the standard warnings for staying safe in the heat, advising people to "drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors."
"Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances," forecasters said.
Santa Ana wind conditions are expected to diminish by Friday, with an onshore flow returning by Saturday, "spreading cooling inland through the weekend," followed by "cool and windy conditions with a chance of precipitation early next week," according to the NWS.
