Record-breaking heat scorches San Diego County as cooldown looms

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — It’s hot in San Diego — at least for now.

On Saturday, the county was poised to be almost 25 degrees above average recorded on the date in years past, with some parts hitting record-breaking temperatures.

Much of East County was approaching — or had already surpassed — triple digits as of 1 p.m., according to the National Weather Service, setting the ceiling for the hottest temperatures seen this year so far.

Areas like Santee, Valley Center, Borrego Springs and Rancho San Diego all had breeched 100 degrees by the afternoon, with El Cajon, Escondido, Poway, San Marcos and Spring Valley following close behind in the mid to upper 90s.

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For some parts like Ramona, which reached about 100 degrees just before 2 p.m., the heat set a new NWS for this date. The previous record high on May 10 was 91 degrees, set back in 1981.

These scorching daytime temperatures in inland valley areas prompted NWS to issue a heat advisory midday Saturday due to moderate to major risk for heat-related illness. The advisory will remain in effect until 9 p.m.

Parts of the coast were much cooler than areas further inland, but were still hotter than usual for this time of year — a reprieve from the “May Gray” drizzle and incessant marine layer. As of 1 p.m., high temperatures observed along the coast ranged from the upper 60s to 70s.

However, this summer weather is expected to be relatively short-lived, as a shortwave trough is expected to deepen over the region Sunday into next week, according to NWS. Cloud cover, winds and closer-to-seasonal-averages will return before falling even further by Tuesday.

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Outside San Diego County, further north into the Inland Empire, highs are only expected to top out in the 60s during this time, according to forecasters.

By Wednesday, a gradual warm-up will begin again, but it will not get quite as hot.

With the heat, NWS officials advise people to limit time outdoors or doing strenuous activities and to remain hydrated. If possible, it is recommended to stay inside in an air conditioned room.

Officials also urge people to watch for the signs of heat exhaustion or stroke, such as high body temperature, changes to skin, a fast and strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and loss of consciousness.

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