Heat wave breaking records; sweltering conditions expected through Monday

SAN DIEGO COUNTY - Decades-old temperature records have been falling this weekend in San Diego County as the region sweltered through the second day of a three-day heat wave.

A National Weather Service excessive heat warning for the deserts and a less severe heat advisory for the mountains and valleys were scheduled to expire at 9 p.m. Monday. Both took effect at 1 p.m. Friday.

Temperature records of 103 degrees were set in Ramona, Alpine and El Cajon. Previous records in those locations were 100 set in 1977 in Ramona, 98 in Alpine in 1966 and 98 in El Cajon in 1992. Saturday's temperature of 106 degrees in Campo broke the previous record of 104 set in 1962 and the 93 degrees recorded at Palomar Mountain broke the mark of 92 set in 1996, according to the National Weather Service.

County officials encouraged San Diegans to take advantage of "cool zones," designated public places with air conditioning that are scattered around the region.

The NWS forecast a high temperature of 116 degrees Sunday for Borrego Springs. Highs could even reach 120 degrees in some low desert areas, according to forecasters.

In San Diego, highs were expected to be in the 80s at the coastline, in the 90s a short distance inland and close to 100 in the valleys.

National Weather Service meteorologist Brandt Maxwell told City News Service the temperatures should begin to moderate by Monday along the coast, and Tuesday for the rest of the region.

"Actually, it looks like most of next week will be pretty nice,'' Maxwell said.

"We'll have a lot more of the marine influence -- we'll probably have some low clouds and patchy fog coming back,'' Maxwell said. "Once you get to about Tuesday, we should be back to what people live here for, the good weather.''

The NWS and county health officials are reminding residents to take precautions against dehydration, heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses this weekend.

Seniors, youngsters and pets lacking adequate shelter are most susceptible. Authorities also warned against leaving children, senior citizens or pets in parked cars, which can quickly become death traps in high heat.

Those working in hot areas were advised to reschedule strenuous activities, when possible; wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing; drink plenty of water, but avoid sugary beverages; take frequent breaks in shaded or air conditioned areas; and watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

"Cool zones'' are generally libraries, senior centers, and community centers that provide air-conditioned shelter while in operation, and are marked with a Polar Bear Cool Zone logo. A full list of those locations is available online at coolzones.org.

During the heat wave, several towns and cities in North County have lost power for hours at a time. Areas affected have included Vista, Escondido, and Ramona.