Extreme heat  and elevated fire weather forecast this week

Thunderstorms possible in mountains, dangerous rip tides forecast at beaches

By Miriam Raftery

San Diego – The National Weather Service is warning of extreme heat, peaking Thursday and Friday across our region, along with high fire danger conditions.  Temperatures are forecast to reach 114-115  degrees in San Diego’s desert communities, 105 in Ramona, 104 in El Cajon, 103 in Campo, and 88 degrees in downtown San Diego and beach areas.

Hot, dry, and unstable conditions increase the risk of “plume-dominated fires” if ignition occurs, the Weather Service warns, so residents should take extra precautions to avoid activities that could spark flames.

A beach hazard statement is in effect Wednesday and Thursday due to predictions of dangerous rip currents, high surf, and potential flooding of coastal areas including beaches, boardwalks, roads and parking lots. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to hazardous surf conditions, the National Weather Service warns.

High heat poses risk of heat-related illnesses for people, pets and livestock.  Limit outdoor activities.  If you don’t have air conditioning, the county provides cool zones such as libraries and recreation centers.  Use fans and take cool showers to cool down.  Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Be sure to check up on disabled or elderly friends, neighbors and family members, particularly those who don’t have air conditioning or cannot drive to a cool location.

Never children, pets, or vulnerable adults in a car, even for a few minutes.

Some pet stores serve as cooling centers for pets during the summer and may welcome pet owners and their pets into their air-conditioned stores to beat the heat.

Provide shade for your pet all day if outdoors, and if possible keep pets inside during high temperatures.  Have plenty of cool drinking water available, since pets may not drink water if it’s warm. Consider getting a child’s wading pool for your dog to cool down.

If it’s too hot for you to walk barefoot on hot pavement, it’s too hot to walk your dog and could caused burned paws.

Visit the Animal Services page for more heat safety tips for your pets.

Temperatures should cool slightly on Saturday, with significant relief Monday and Tuesday, when high temperatures are expected to return to seasonal normals.

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