Sun lovers and heat seekers, rejoice — everyone else, think air conditioning.
An autumn hot spell that settled over the San Diego area Friday will linger through the weekend, keeping daytime highs 10 to 20 degrees above normal for this time of year in many parts of the county, according to the National Weather Service.
Friday afternoon — forecast to be the peak of the heat wave — the summery swelter brought about record maximum temperatures in three local cities: Chula Vista, Escondido and El Cajon saw highs of 98, 102 and 103, respectively, beating their old Oct. 9 milestones of 97, 100 and 98.
The torrid conditions prompted the NWS to issue a heat advisory, effective through 8 p.m. Friday evening. Forecasters advised the public to avoid potentially serious heat-related ailments by staying well-hydrated, shunning unnecessary outdoor labor, checking on neighbors and relatives — especially the elderly — and providing plenty of water for pets and livestock.
Authorities also warned against leaving children or pets in parked cars, which can quickly become oven-like death traps in high heat.
While still sultry, Saturday and Sunday are expected to usher in a gradual cooling pattern, and an approaching storm system will bring a chance of showers toward the middle or end of next week, according to meteorologists.
— City News Service