City News Service

An excessive heat warning will be in effect through 9 p.m. Wednesday in the San Diego County deserts, with temperatures potentially topping 120 degrees.

Starting Wednesday, the California Highway Patrol will intensify its policing of San Diego-area freeways and rural roads as part of its annual effort to nab intoxicated motorists and crack down on other types of dangerous driving over the long Fourth of July holiday period.

City government offices in San Diego will be closed for Independence Day Thursday and most services will be unavailable, although police and emergency crews will still be on duty.

Firefighters gained ground on the 1,362-acre wildfire in southeast San Diego County, now 50% contained, after it sparked from a car crash near Jacumba Hot Springs.

On Sunday, the county said the Coronado beach area was closed due to excessive bacteria levels. Late Monday afternoon, DEHQ officials said that samples met state health standards.

An excessive heat warning will be in effect until at least 8 p.m. Friday, with dangerously hot conditions and highs between 110 and 118 degrees in the desert.

Officials with the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a statement in response to Southwest's cancellations, noting that the department will be looking into the situation.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive-heat warning, effective from 10 a.m. Tuesday to 8 p.m. next Monday.

The department is looking to fill over 400 positions, and willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars in signing bonuses to attract new employees.