Residents of San Diego and surrounding counties, brace yourselves for a long-duration scorcher, as the mercury is predicted to rise exponentially in the coming days, particularly biting inland areas. According to a release by the National Weather Service San Diego CA, the sizzling conditions are forecasted to bake the region next week, peaking on Friday and Saturday when the deserts could swelter in temperatures circling a blistering 120 degrees.
A cool-off is not in sight, folks, because even as coastal areas catch a slight break with morning clouds and partial relief, inland valleys alongside lower mountain elevations and the Apple and Lucerne Valleys will face "Major to Extreme Heat Risk" starting this weekend, the gravitas of the heat can barely be overstated, with an Excessive Heat Warning issued from 11 AM Tuesday until 11 PM PDT the following Monday for some areas. Although the National Weather Service highlights that nighttime will bring some respite in the form of low coastal clouds that push into parts of the western valleys, don't expect the mercury to drop significantly during the day.
Looking up into clear skies might provide a psychological reprieve. However, it's a different story down in the valleys and the desert floors as heat persists. Palm Springs faces the harrowing potential of breaking a record high temperature, reaching a staggering "116 or higher from Wednesday of this week through Thursday of next week with a peak of 122 on Friday and 121 on Saturday," per the Area Forecast Discussion by National Weather Service San Diego. No hazardous marine conditions are forecasted through Friday.
Ocean-goers should still be cautious, though, as a sizable south swell is rolling mid-week that could spike surf heights up to 6-7 feet on certain beaches and hike the risks of strong rip and longshore currents. The National Weather Service advises beachgoers to be aware of the increased hazards later this week, so while the water might look inviting, it's best to stay informed and cautious if you're planning to beat the heat by hitting the beach.
Finally, while the Skywarn activation is not yet on the table, spotters should stay vigilant and are encouraged to report any significant weather conditions—remember, in extreme weather scenarios, local reports can be lifesavers.
