Thunderstorms Move In As Heat Advisory Is Extended In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, CA — As thunderstorms moved into the inland mountains and deserts Monday afternoon, a scorching heat wave combined with lightning to heighten the fire risk in San Diego County. As the hot spell drags on, the National Weather Service extended a heat advisory across the region through Wednesday night.

The Heat advisories will remain in effect from Monday until at least 9 p.m. Wednesday throughout San Diego County mountain and valley areas, including Cajon, Escondido, Santee, San Marcos, La Mesa and Poway with temperatures expected in the triple-digits, according to the National Weather Service.

"Hot weather will continue away from the coast with highs 5-8 degrees above normal," the National Weather Service announced. "The lower deserts will have temperatures as high as around 116."

A record temperature was reported in Borrego on Sunday. It was 91, the highest minimum temperature for the day breaking the mark of 87 set in 2006.

Temperatures could be as high as 116 degrees and lows as high as 92 in the deserts, forecasters said.

Officials advised drinking plenty of fluids, staying in air- conditioned rooms, staying out of the sun and checking up on relatives and neighbors during extreme heat.

Children and pets should never be left inside vehicles on days that are even a little warmer than normal, as locked cars can turn into death traps in mere minutes.

High tides well over 6 feet are expected through 10 p.m. Sunday, with minor tidal overflow at low-lying beach parking lots and boardwalks.

"An increase of monsoonal moisture next week will bring a chance of thunderstorms mainly in the afternoons Monday through Thursday in the mountains and locally into deserts, with the greater chances on Tuesday and Wednesday," the NWS said.

No hazardous marine conditions are expected through Wednesday.

The County of San Diego issued the following tips for staying safe amid extreme heat:

• Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler. Do not rely on electric fans for cooling if temperatures exceed 90 degrees.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Drink plenty of water (avoid alcohol and sugary drinks) and don’t wait until you are thirsty.
• Take cool showers.
• Never leave a child, elderly person, or pet unattended in a car.
• Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities outside during the hottest part of the day.
• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and wear a wide-brim hat if you need to be in the sun.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.