As the mercury continues to climb across the region, the National Weather Service in San Diego warns of sizzling temperatures set to peak today and Thursday. Coastal regions can expect highs ranging from 74 to 83 degrees today, while inland valleys are bracing for a scorching 90 to 101 degrees, according to NWS San Diego. Even higher temperatures will bake the high desert at 99 to 106 degrees, and people in the low desert will have to navigate blistering conditions as the thermometer pushes 114 to 117 degrees.
The discomforting heat wave is forecast to ease slightly by the weekend, but not before making a lasting impression with Friday's high temperatures set to remain above average by 5 to 10 degrees in inland areas. "High temperatures will warm a few more degrees today with not much change for Thursday," said the Area Forecast Discussion by the National Weather Service San Diego. Those looking to catch a break from the heat might have to wait until Friday, when the coast and valleys are expected to cool down by 4 to 8 degrees, a move likely to offer much-needed respite to the sun-weary locals.
Residents and visitors along the coast will see patchy low clouds this morning. These clouds will increase in coverage by the weekend and encroach upon the western valleys late each night. While the marine layer is expected to be around 1,500 feet deep on Thursday, it brings little solace to those residing further inland, where temperatures will remain in the high 90s.
Moving into the next week, the National Weather Service suggests "Not much change from Friday with high temperatures for the coast and valleys a few to around 5 degrees below average with the deserts around 5 degrees above average." This stretch of weather has prompted the issuance of a Heat Advisory for parts of Riverside and San Bernardino counties and a more severe Extreme Heat Warning for the Coachella Valley, San Diego County Deserts, and San Gorgonio Pass near Banning.
