An excessive heat warning will be in effect from 11 a.m. Wednesday to 8 p.m. Friday east of Interstate 15 in San Diego County due to high temperatures expected to affect much of the western United States, the National Weather Service said.
The heat wave will increase the risk of power outages, according to the California Independent System Operator, which is responsible for nearly 80% of the state’s power grid.
Meteorologists predict the heat will start Tuesday and peak Wednesday and Thursday, when temperatures could reach 35 to 40 degrees in many inland cities. Friday will also be uncomfortably warm. San Diego Gas & Electric said the heat will increase the risk of wildfires in a county that has seen about a half-dozen small fires in recent weeks.
According to the weather service, temperatures are expected to reach 100 degrees in Escondido on Wednesday, 105 degrees on Thursday and 104 degrees on Friday. The forecast for El Cajon is 99 degrees on Wednesday and 100 degrees on Thursday and Friday. In Borrego Springs, temperatures are expected to range from 111 to 114 degrees during that time.
Temperatures could also reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit east of Interstate 8, below the 4,500-foot level, potentially causing overheating in vehicles that are not well maintained.
The weather will be noticeably milder on the coast, but still much warmer than usual for the first week of September. Forecasters say San Diego is expected to hit 83 degrees on Wednesday, 86 on Thursday and 87 on Friday. Forecast models suggest temperatures could be higher. The city’s seasonal high is 78 degrees.
“Low temperatures will also be high across the region, limiting overnight relief from the heat,” the weather service said.
Forecasters also noted that the average monthly temperature in August at San Diego International Airport was 73.6 degrees, 1.2 degrees above normal.
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