Heat Advisory Extended For La Mesa

LA MESA, CA — Hot weather will persist Tuesday in much of the San Diego region, prompting the National Weather Service to extend a heat advisory for the San Diego County valleys.

The heat advisory is in effect until 8 p.m. in the valleys, including the cities of El Cajon, Escondido, La Mesa, Poway, Santee and San Marcos, according to the NWS. Temperatures could reach as high as 102 degrees in the valley areas but are expected to reach 86 degrees in La Mesa.

Forecasters noted that monsoonal moisture building over the area will bring the chance of afternoon and early evening thunderstorms to desert and mountain areas through Tuesday. An isolated thunderstorm on Sunday over the southeastern area of the county produced 17 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes and 94 in-cloud flashes in about 30 minutes, according to the NWS.

"Wednesday thunderstorm chances begin to decrease as a trough of low pressure approaches the west coast, drying out the atmosphere and cooling conditions into the holiday weekend," forecasters said. "Night and morning low clouds and fog expected each day near the coast."

Forecasters warned hot weather can cause heat-related illnesses.

Weather officials recommend people drink plenty of fluids, wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles.

"Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke," officials said. "Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location."

City News Service contributed to this report.