A grueling heat wave will continue into next week with little relief in sight as temperatures push into the 100s for most parts of the county this weekend, forecasters said.
Temperatures will be in the high 90s inland, pushing into the 100s for the foothills, while any further inland will likely see temperatures surge past 100 degrees, according to NBC 7 Meteorologist Sheena Parveen.
Along the coast is where you'll find the only moderate temperatures, Parveen said. Temperatures were expected in the low- to mid-80s.
"That’s where you’ll have to go for relief over the next several days as areas inland will be hotter than normal by about 10 degrees," NBC 7 Meteorologist Sheena Parveen said.
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An excessive heat warning will be in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday in the San Diego County deserts, with temperatures potentially reaching 120 degrees, and in the mountains, where the mercury could rise to 105 degrees at elevations below 5,000 feet, according to the National Weather Service.
"Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," NWS forecasters warned. "Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water."
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A less severe heat advisory will be in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday in the San Diego County valleys, although temperatures there could still reach 102, forecasters said.
"A brief surge of monsoonal moisture Sunday and Monday will bring mid-level clouds and a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms to the mountains and high deserts," the NWS said. "The marine layer will continue to moderate the heat near the coast. Hot weather will continue through most of next week."
The inland valleys were expected to be mostly sunny with highs from 84 to 89 degrees. It should be mostly sunny in the mountains with highs from 94 to 104. The deserts were expected to be mostly sunny with highs from 115 to 120.
Know the dangers of prolonged heat exposure
Heartland Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Dave Hardenburger spoke with NBC 7 about the symptoms of heat illness he's been seeing out in the field.
Overcast skies over the inland valleys during a heatwave can be deceiving, Chief Hardenburger warned.
"It kind of gives us a false sense of security that it’s going to be a cool day. Sometimes people will pack up and go out for three, four, five, six hours to go out to enjoy the outdoors, which most of us like to do here in San Diego,” Hardenburger said.
Even though the skies may be overcast, be prepared for hot temperatures to roll in.
Keep in mind, temperatures rise with elevation. "The temperature can increase 10, 15, 20 degrees, humidity can come way down and it can become dangerous for a lot of people," Hardenburger said.
Rescue crews have had to head out and help people who ran out of water, Hardenburger said. "They just get so fatigued that they're not able to get themselves down," he added.
"We've been up on the mountain where people are wobbling so bad, they’re out of water, they’re dehydrated, they’re showing signs of heat exhaustion and rapidly progressing heat stroke. Those are true medical emergencies and you gotta be careful," Hardenburger said.
”I think everyone has the mentality, ‘It’s not going to happen to me’ or 'it’s not too hot, or I’m super prepared, I’ve done this before,'” Hardenburger added.
How to prepare yourself for heat exposure
This heat is no joke. Preparing yourself for high temperatures is of utmost importance as temperatures are expected to soar this weekend.
Water, food, nutrition, rest and recovery time are all critical to surviving this extreme heat, Hardenburger said.
Take more water than you think you need, make sure you're taking breaks and find some shade. It's not a race and you have to pace yourself, Hardenburger advises.
"I think what people don’t realize is — are they at, you know, peak health, peak hydration, peak nutrition? Is their body ready to be stressed and taxed because this weather will really do that," Hardenburger said.
”So, actually it’s almost a full time job to prepare yourself and be ready for this type of weather,” Hardenburger said.
Hardenburger even suggests preparing really early. "If you’re going to go hiking on Sunday, start hydrating today,“ he said.
This hot summer weather isn't unprecedented or unusual compared to other summers, the fire chief added.
