A heat wave that has made an already torrid summer downright oppressive in the San Diego area sent temperatures skyrocketing across the region for a second straight day Wednesday.
The intense hot spell resulted in highs in the upper 80s and 90s along the coast and into the triple digits inland this afternoon, the National Weather Service reported.
The extra-sultry conditions, according to the NWS, also generated a pair of local heat records: 102 degrees in Escondido, exceeding the prior Aug. 7 milestone of 99, set in 1970; and 91 in San Diego, beating the former top mark for the date of 87, set in 1983.
The highs in Campo and Ramona, meanwhile, matched those rural communities' prior records of 105 and 101, set in 1970 and 1983, respectively.
Other notable thermometer readings included 96 degrees in Rancho San Diego; 97 in Fallbrook; 98 in El Cajon and Santee; 100 in Alpine; 102 in Escondido, Poway and the San Pasqual Valley; 103 in Valley Center; 109 in Borrego Springs; and 112 in Ocotillo Wells.
During periods of such extreme heat, authorities urge the public to avoid potential health hazards by drinking plenty of water or other non- alcoholic fluids, seeking out shady and/or air-conditioned environments, and checking on the welfare of relatives and neighbors — particularly the elderly or home-bound people.
In addition, young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles during hot weather, when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes, officials warn.
A list of local public "cool zones" can be found at www.sandiegocounty.gov/hhsa/programs/ais/cool_zones/.
The swelter should diminish somewhat Wednesday, though any resulting relief likely will be tempered by a return of the monsoonal moisture that has made the county decidedly muggy at times in recent weeks.
By the weekend, temperatures should be back to more comfortable seasonal norms, according to meteorologists.
