forecast

Offshore Flow Could Bring More Record-Breaking Temps to San Diego County

A wind advisory is in effect through 2 p.m. Friday for inland valleys and mountains while a red flag warning is in effect until 4 p.m. Friday

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Friday’s warming trend could bring record-breaking temperatures to San Diego County as parts of the region face an elevated fire threat coupled with a wind advisory.

Vista and El Cajon set new record highs on Thursday, while Chula Vista tied its previous high for the date, according to the National Weather Service. On Thursday, Vista and El Cajon reached 89, both besting their previous highs of 88, set in 2014 and 2009, respectively.

Chula Vista reached 83 on Thursday, tying its record high for the date in 2009.

Unseasonably warm temperatures will make Friday hotter than Thursday with the possibility of breaking records. Here are some areas that may get record-breaking temperatures on Friday:

  • San Diego International Airport – Record: 82; Forecast: 84
  • Ramona – Record: 83; Forecast: 88
  • La Mesa – Record: 84; Forecast: 87
  • Escondido – Record: 87; Forecast: 87

Many San Diegans were soaking up the rays in the dead of Winter.

“I am not a big fan of the cold,” said Frank Jagdeo as he sat along Chula Vista’s Bayfront. “I think this is the best weather in America.”

The Navy Veteran and his wife walk to the park along San Diego Bay almost every day.

“I like to take off my mask and kick back and have a lung-full of fresh air coming off the water,” said Jagdeo with his mask underneath his chin.

But high temperatures and low humidity also creates the potential for wildfires.

An area of high pressure to our northeast is fueling an offshore flow that’s warming our county, according to NBC 7 meteorologist Sheena Parveen.

NBC 7's Joe Little spoke to South Bay residents who are enjoying the heat while also looking out for fires.

“It’s causing some red flag warnings and also wind advisories for Southern California,” Parveen explained. “For San Diego County, we have a wind advisory for the inland valleys, foothills and mountains until 2 p.m., so we’re going to see a gusty offshore wind until at least half the day.”

Hector Del Valle, an Eastlake resident, and his wife were walking their dog in the mid-day sun but they knew the threat of wildfires. Just last week, they watched a brushfire spread in the hills behind their house.

“I could smell the smoke and then my mom is like, ‘You guys need to back your bags.’ I was like, ‘Why?’” recalled Irene Del Valle.

Firefighters never let the fire get out of control, but it still raised red flags for Irene.

“It’s January. Why is there a brushfire? It doesn’t make sense,” she said. “Global warming, you know, but I mean, it’s obviously nice, but you start to think, ‘Hey, it’s kind of weird.’”

Winds in areas under the advisory are expected to be from 25 to 35 mph, with isolated gusts in mountain passes having the potential to blow at up to 65 mph.

San Diego Gas & Electric said on its website early Friday that several East County communities are considered at-risk of potentially losing power to forced shutoffs if weather conditions become severe. By 2:30 p.m., however, that warning had since been removed.

The heat will continue through the weekend, followed by an incoming system that has potential to bring light showers to our region early next week.

Meanwhile, the beaches were experience elevated surf due to a series of storms in the Pacific. A Beach Hazards Statement was expected to go into effect late Saturday and remain in effect through Tuesday, with the highest swells on Sunday and Tuesday.

When a beach hazards statement is in effect, strong rip currents and elevated waves have the potential to create dangerous swimming and surfing conditions.

In anticipation, San Diego Lifeguards added extra staff to their lineup for the weekend. The agency recommends surfers and swimmers check with a lifeguard before hitting the waves.

The NWS said surf would be between three to five feet with some sets reaching 7 feet, potentially higher.

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