‘Dangerous’ heat wave to produce near-record temperatures in San Diego County – San Diego Union-Tribune

The most intense heat wave so far this year is expected to begin Wednesday in San Diego County, producing “dangerously hot conditions” that could affect people’s health and significantly increase the risk of wildfires, the National Weather Service said.

The near-record heat — which could reach 107 degrees in Escondido and El Cajon — could also delay the start of some high school football games Friday night because of new rules governing the conditions in which athletes can practice and play.

An excessive heat warning will be in effect for all areas of the county except the coast from 11 a.m. Wednesday to 8 p.m. Friday. Forecasters said the highest temperatures will occur east of Interstate 15, where about 700,000 people live. Temperatures will range from 95 to 105 degrees Wednesday, 100 to 107 degrees Thursday and Friday, and 95 to 103 degrees Saturday.

RELATED LINKS

A list of public cooling stations in the county is available at www.sandiegocounty.gov/

A new state law that went into effect this year says high schools east of Interstate 15 can’t start outdoor activities after school if weather conditions don’t meet certain criteria, including an air temperature below 90 degrees. The temperature can be slightly higher if other factors, such as wind and humidity, are more favorable.

Many high school football teams in the area are scheduled to start play at 7 p.m. Friday, when temperatures will likely be around 90 degrees, according to the weather service. Large crowds are expected when Escondido High School hosts Torrey Pines High School and Valley Center High School hosts Poway High School. Schools may delay the start of games, to some extent.

Temperatures will be only slightly better along the Interstate 805 corridor, reaching the upper 80s on Wednesday, the lower 90s on Thursday and Friday and the upper 80s on Saturday.

Temperatures on the coast will range from 21 to 27 degrees on Wednesday, and from 27 to 28 degrees on Thursday and Saturday. Forecasters predict the temperature could reach 27 degrees at 5:40 p.m. Thursday when the Padres host the Detroit Tigers at Petco Park.

The weather service noted that motorists will experience a dangerous 15 to 20 degree heat increase on Interstate 8 if they head down the east side of the mountains in Imperial County, where temperatures are expected to reach 114 degrees Thursday and Friday afternoon. Such temperatures can cause vehicles to overheat if they are not properly maintained.

The heat will also be a problem for many people just looking to get a good night’s sleep. Nighttime temperatures are expected to be 5 to 10 degrees above average on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Reporter John Maffei contributed to this article.

Originally published: September 3, 2024 at 3:51 p.m.