Cooler temperatures with foggy conditions in the valleys and along the coast are expected Thursday in San Diego County, according to the National Weather Service.
The milder conditions follow a heat wave over the past three days that brought scorching and dangerous temperatures to parts of the San Diego region.
The NWS on Monday extended an excessive heat warning through Wednesday at 8 p.m. for the San Diego valleys, including the cities of Escondido, El Cajon, San Marcos, La Mesa, Santee and Poway, where the mercury ranged between 90 and 104.
In the deserts, an excessive heat warning was also stretched through 8 p.m. Wednesday, with temperatures reached between 112 and 118.
Meanwhile, a less severe heat advisory was in place, also through 8 p.m. Wednesday, for the mountains, with temperatures ranging between 90 and 102.
"As with any significant change in weather conditions, preparedness is key," said Chris Heiser, executive director of the city's Office of Emergency Services. "Extreme heat is no different. Make sure your family and pets stay hydrated and protected from the heat."
The hot, dry conditions were also expected to bring elevated brush fire danger in vulnerable areas.
Downtown San Diego will drop to about 77 on Thursday, with a significant cooling trend expected heading into next weekend. Most of San Diego County will continue to be in the high 90s, but will cool down by the end of the week.
To help San Diegans understand and better prepare for environmental threats including high heat events, the city developed the San Diego Hazard Dashboard. This new tool is online at https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/d9f0c66ae0124a1ba13b70960f12cd77/.
The NWS advises drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air- conditioned room, staying out of the sun and checking up on relatives and neighbors.
Children and pets should never be left inside vehicles without air conditioning for any length of time, as death could occur in minutes when temperatures are high.
Officials suggest learning the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and to wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing when possible.
