Schools across the county were planning minimum-day schedules Tuesday as the "unrelenting" heat wave that has sent temperatures soaring across San Diego County was expected to peak Tuesday.
RELATED: Scorching Temperatures Hit San Diego
Record-setting temperatures are forecast in Chula Vista, Ramona and San Diego, with the high temperatures now expected to last into the end of the week, the NWS said. As a public safety measure, an excessive-heat warning for the county's inland valleys, western foothills and deserts was extended through 10 p.m. Friday after it was initially slated to expire Wednesday. A less serious heat advisory will be in effect for local coastal communities over the same period.
Several desert and inland-valley locales logged afternoon highs in the triple digits Monday, including 114 degrees in Ocotillo Wells, 111 in Borrego Springs, 110 in Valley Center, 104 in Campo and 105 in Ramona, according to meteorologists. The latter community tied its record high for the date, set in 1981.
The maximum thermometer readings in a few other local areas, according to the National Weather Service, came close to topping the 100 mark — 99 degrees in El Cajon and San Pasqual Valley; 98 in Alpine; and 96 in Escondido. Clouds, thunderstorms and scattered showers cooled things off for many inland communities later in the afternoon Monday.
Conditions were considerably more pleasant closer to the ocean, with temperatures ranging from the high 60s to high 70s near the waterfront, and up into the mid-80s a bit farther east.
The hot spell, a byproduct of a "goliath" high-pressure system moving south from northern to southern Nevada, reached San Diego County's deserts on Sunday.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, record highs are expected in Chula Vista, Ramona and San Diego, forecasters said. Those in the East County should not expect the same rain that cooled things down Monday evening, as the location of the high-pressure system will decrease the chances of thunderstorms Tuesday and Wednesday.
Due to the extreme heat, numerous public schools across the county will be on minimum-day schedules today, officials said.
The weather should be slightly cooler from Thursday into the weekend, though temperatures will remain well above average for this time of year, the NWS advised.
The agency reminded the public to never leave children, seniors or pets unattended in cars; to drink more water than usual and avoid alcohol, sugar and caffeine; to wear lightweight and light-colored clothing and wide-brimmed hats outdoors; and to take frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environm
