A hot spell bore down on the region Thursday and is expected to send temperatures soaring as high as 10 degrees above average through the weekend. East County kids knew where to go: the Sprayground at Santee Lakes.
National Weather Service forecasters said the already toasty temperatures would inch up in coming days, reaching highs on Sunday of 78 to 83 degrees along the coast, 89 to 94 inland, 94 to 99 in the western valleys, 99 to 104 near the foothills, 95 to 104 in the mountains and 115 to 120 in the deserts.
An excessive heat watch for areas other than the coast was scheduled to take effect Friday morning and extend through Sunday evening.
“High pressure over the desert Southwest will gradually strengthen through this weekend as it moves west over Southern California,” according to the weather service. “High temperatures will increase through this weekend and reach up to 10 degrees above normal.”
With the high heat forecast for the next few days, the the weather service is reminding residents take precautions against dehydration, heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. Children, seniors and pets without adequate shelter are most susceptible.
Residents and employees working in hot zones 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.
Forecasters also warned against ever leaving children, senior citizens or pets in parked cars, which can quickly become death traps in high heat.
Anyone seeking a midday reprieve from the heat may visit any of the several cooling centers scattered throughout the county. The centers 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 locations is available online at coolzones.org.
— City News Service
