San Diego County experienced lightning strikes amidst a dangerous heat wave that continues to grip most of Southern California. On Sunday, the deserts and mountains became the epicenters of these electric displays, catching the attention of the National Weather Service's (NWS) San Diego office.
"Showers and isolated t-storms continue to move northwestward this morning. Lightning strikes have been reported in the deserts in San Diego County and Riverside County in the past few hours, so please use caution and remember if thunder roars, go indoors," NWS San Diego cautioned the public in a tweet on July 23. The intense heat brought with it the risk of isolated dry lightning, with the highest chances reported in deserts, mountains, valleys, and even coastal areas, as pointed out by the NWS San Diego in a tweet on July 24.
The NWS' Sunday forecast predicted temperatures soaring up to 114 degrees Fahrenheit in the county's deserts and up to 101 degrees in the mountains, raising concerns for potential heat-related illnesses in those indulging in outdoor activities or working outdoors. The NWS warned the public, emphasizing the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The agency also advised wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothes and drinking plenty of water during this scorching period.
While an occasional respite was provided by cloud cover that coaxed temperatures slightly lower, it also impacted thunderstorm development over parts of the mountains and deserts on Sunday morning, and led to a brief surge of monsoonal moisture on Sunday and Monday, according to FOX 5 San Diego. The weather agency urged the public to be aware of lightning strikes, particularly in the deserts and mountains.
As San Diego County grapples with this precarious weather situation, safety remains the top priority for residents and tourists alike. With the continued heat wave expected to persist through Sunday and lightning making a rare appearance, being alert and cautious can help avoid potential hazards.
