San Diego

Heat Waves Don't Stop Work or Play in San Diego

We know that fire personnel will be on high alert this weekend during the heat wave and we heard how the high temperatures impact local employees in a few different industries, but what about the people out there determined to not let the weather get in the way of their play?

The scene Thursday at the Sportsplex USA softball fields in Poway was just like many other fields and recreation centers in the county – busy despite the scorching sun.

Several games were played on the complex’s multiple fields and many began at the peak of the day’s high temperatures. In Poway, that was upwards of 90 degrees.

But gamers like Nathan Harmon told NBC 7 they took the heat into account during their pregame routine.

“I kill a good water bottle or two a day, but today I had to go into three and four just to make sure I stay hydrated and didn't have to have someone come rescue you out on the field,” Harmon said. He pitched for No Glove, No Love Thursday afternoon.

Countless other players will show up to the fields Friday and over the weekend. An excessive heat warning was issued by the National Weather Service for the foothills while a heat advisory was also in effect Friday for communities like Vista, Chula Vista, National City and San Diego.

During that period, San Diego’s coastal areas will likely see temperatures in the 90s and inland areas can expect temperatures breaking 100 degrees.

“We are not minding it now, but I think tomorrow and over the weekend it is going to be a little bit different,” Harmon said. “A little more water and a little less beer over the weekend.”

At places like the Bernardo Winery, the heat wave changes plans for events like an upcoming weekend wedding. Prolonged high temperatures can also impact the quality of the grapes.

Ross Rizzo Jr, president and winemaker at the winery, said the drastic swing in temperatures makes the grapes vulnerable to powdery mildew and dehydration with harvest only one month away.

“Any sort of business where you are kind of depending on Mother Nature to cooperate and she doesn't, it is tough and we do our very best to do the things we need to prepare," Rizzo said.

In El Cajon where an excessive heat warning was issued and temperatures reached 98 degrees, workers at the San Diego ice Factory suited up for their shifts in scarves, beanies and hoodies.

Employee Anthony Toma said hydration is still important, especially when a crew has to leave the building and hop in a delivery truck.

“We have cases of water here that they throw on the trucks, so they get their job done and they stay hydrated because if they don’t they’ll start feeling it,” Toma said.

Others working where more formal attire is required said it’s always a struggle balancing comfort and dress code.

Hilton Mariott Manager Juan Alarie is rarely seen at work without a blazer, but when he stepped away from the office to grab lunch the coat didn’t make the trip.

Human Resources experts told NBC 7 that it’s always best to check with supervisors and see what bends in the dress code are acceptable when it’s hot, but all of the experts we talked to said one rule remains constant: no flip flops!

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