‘Dangerous’ heat wave will bring record temperatures across San Diego County – San Diego Union-Tribune

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

The record-breaking heat — temperatures could reach 108 degrees in Escondido and El Cajon — could also delay the start of some high school football games on Friday night as new regulations regulate the conditions under which athletes can practice and play.

A heat advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. Wednesday to 8 p.m. Friday for all areas of the county except the coast. Forecasters say the highest temperatures will occur east of Interstate 15, where about 700,000 people live. Temperatures will range from 35 to 41 degrees on Wednesday, 38 to 42 degrees on Thursday and Friday, and 35 to 39 degrees on Saturday.

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A list of the county’s public cooling stations can be found at www.sandiegocounty.gov/.

A new state law that took effect this year says high schools east of Interstate 15 cannot offer outdoor extracurricular activities 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 this region are scheduled to play at 7 p.m. Friday, when temperatures will likely be just above 80 degrees, the weather service says. 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.

Along the Interstate 805 corridor, temperatures will be only slightly better, reaching above 30 degrees on Wednesday, below 30 degrees on Thursday and Friday, and above 30 degrees on Saturday.

On the coast, temperatures will be between 25 and 27 degrees on Wednesday, and between 27 and 29 degrees Thursday through Saturday. Meteorologists 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 drivers on Interstate 8 will experience a dangerous heat boost of 15 to 20 degrees as they head down the east side of the mountains into Imperial County, where the temperature is expected to reach 114 degrees Thursday and Friday afternoon. Such temperatures can cause vehicles to overheat if they are not well maintained.

The heat will also be a problem for many people who just want to sleep well. Temperatures of 5 to 10 degrees above average are expected on the night of Wednesday to Thursday and Friday.

Writer John Maffei contributed to this story.

Originally published: September 3, 2024 at 3:51 pm