Sheena Parveen’s morning forecast for Sept. 30, 2020.
Santa Ana wind conditions have subsided, but a dry heat wave will persist in San Diego County through Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
The California Independent Systems Operator (CAISO) on Wednesday issued a Flex Alert urging residents to conserve energy on Thursday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. due to what was expected to be another day of scorching temperatures.
Flex Alerts are issued when the electricity grid is overtaxed due to high temperatures, the ISO said. It is a voluntary call on residents to conserve electricity when demand is at its peak.
Consumers should conserve electricity by turning off unnecessary lights, not using major appliances and setting air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, especially in the late afternoon and early evening when the grid is most stressed, the ISO said.
More energy-saving tips can be found on the FlexAlert website.
The mercury could reach 104 in a few western valley communities on Thursday, then drop to 98 on Friday, forecasters said. Highs in the deserts are expected to reach 111 on Thursday and Friday.
Light winds were expected throughout the county Wednesday as a high pressure system lingers over the western United States and ushers in the dry, sweltering conditions until this weekend, forecasters said.
Meanwhile, a heat advisory remains in effect through 8 p.m. Thursday in San Diego's coastal areas, while another heat advisory will last until 8 p.m. Friday in the western valleys.
Temperatures are expected to peak Wednesday and residents are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors, according to the NWS. The agency also stresses that children, senior and pets must never be left in a vehicle parked in hot weather, even with windows open, as interior temperatures can rapidly turn lethal.
To help residents escape the heat, the county is offering nine air-conditioned cooling centers in Alpine, Borrego Springs, Fallbrook, Lakeside, Potrero, Ramona, Santa Ysabel, Spring Valley and Valley Center.
Due to the coronavirus, mandatory mask-wearing and social-distancing protocols are enforced in the facilities. A full list of the locations can be found here.
