San Diego officials are offering warnings and guidance for those headed out amid an extreme heat warning for all of Southern California this weekend.
Dangerously hot conditions with high temperatures in the mid-90s are forecast for San Diego’s western valleys, with temperatures climbing to around 105 near the foothills.
Temperatures ranging from mid-90s to mid-100s are also projected for mountain communities.
Meanwhile, desert communities could see temperatures rise to 115 or higher. Coastal areas will be cooler, but not by much, potentially hitting the mid-90s.
At the same time, the heat wave coincides with a coastal flood advisory due to large swells during high tide thanks to Hurricane Genevieve.
Genevieve’s southerly swell will continue to generate elevated surf through Friday before diminishing over the weekend. Sets up to nine feet will continue, with the highest on south-facing beaches.
“This will create conditions hazardous for inexperienced swimmers,” the National Weather Service’s San Diego office said in a forecast discussion, adding that high tides will exceed six feet each evening. “The combination of high tides and high surf increases the risk of coastal flooding.”
Those in coastal areas can expect “flooding of low-lying beach parking lots, boardwalks, and roads. Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Breaking waves can sweep people off jetties and docks, and into dangerous seas,” the NWS added.
The city of San Diego designates recreation centers, libraries and other public buildings as places to seek relief from hot weather. Designated locations will be available during open hours; service animals will be allowed entry. Regularly scheduled programs and recreational activities may be taking place in these locations.
A full list of locations can be found here.
“We encourage residents who need shelter from the heat to take advantage of one of our many sites available to cool down,” said Office of Emergency Services chief Rob Rezende.
“We also advise residents to check on elderly and vulnerable neighbors to make sure they are safe during this heatwave.”
Three San Diego County parks are also closing for the month of August — an annual safety measure aimed at protecting residents during what is often the hottest time of the year.
El Capitan Preserve near Lakeside, Hellhole Canyon Preserve in Valley Center and Mt. Gower Preserve in Ramona will be closed through August. Agua Caliente Regional Park and Vallecito County Park, which are in or near the Anza- Borrego Desert, remain closed for the summer after shutting down Memorial Day weekend.
“Beyond heat-related safety, the seasonal closures allow Parks and Recreation to complete maintenance projects such as trail restoration,” the county added.
The parks will reopen Labor Day weekend.
Parks officials urge hikers to take extra precautions as dangerous health conditions persist.
San Diego’s park rangers encourage people to exercise caution if they choose to visit the city’s trails and parks and be prepared with proper attire and plenty of drinking water.
“It’s best to schedule hikes during the cooler morning or evening hours. Stay on the trails and leave pets at home during the heat of the day,” a city statement said.
The heat wave is expected to continue through Sunday evening.
City News Service contributed to this report.
