The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory Tuesday for San Diego County amid triple-digit temperatures inland, while moisture associated with Hurricane Odile pumps up the relative humidity across the region.
The advisory also covers normally cool coastal areas, where highs are forecast to range from 86-93 degrees. Highs a few miles inland are forecast to be 95-100 degrees a few miles inland, and 100-plus in the valleys and deserts.
On Monday, a high-temperature record of 103 degrees was set in Ramona — two degrees higher than the prior milestone set two years ago, according to the National Weather Service. In Alpine, a 30-year-old record of 102 degrees was tied.
"Abnormally hot temperatures can be stressful to animals and humans, making it hard for the body to acclimate and remain hydrated," according to the weather service. "Without precautions even healthy adults could experience heat stress and illness."
Many area schools without adequate air conditioning shortened their schedules on Monday and Tuesday to allow students to head to cooler spots.
About 120 San Diego Unified School District campuses without full air conditioning will have minimum-day schedules Tuesday, including Clairemont, Crawford, Garfield, La Jolla, Madison, Mira Mesa, Mission Bay, Morse and University City high schools. After-school physical activities were canceled at all city schools.
A full list of schools on a reduced schedule Tuesday is available on the district's website, sandi.net.
Sweetwater Union High School District officials have implemented a minimum schedule on Tuesday and Wednesday at Mar Vista Academy, Castle Park and Hilltop middle schools, and Chula Vista, Mar Vista and Sweetwater high schools.
The Coronado and National school districts also implemented minimum days Tuesday.
More than 100 air-conditioned buildings like libraries and recreation centers will be opened to those trying to beat the heat. County "Cool Zones" are marked with a light-blue polar-bear logo. A list of county Cool Zones is available at CoolZones.org or by calling 211.
Forecasters advised area residents planning outdoor activities to schedule them for the cool of the morning or in evening, to take frequent breaks in shady or air-conditioned areas and to know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Those planning to be outside were advised to wear light, loose clothing and to drink plenty of water.
Forecasters said that temperatures would cool this evening and Wednesday, though an "influx of monsoonal moisture from the south," thanks to Tropical Storm Odile over Baja California, would cause humidity to rise.
Tips to beat the heat
• Slow down. Be your most physically active during the coolest part of the day, usually between 4-7 a.m. Pace yourself when engaging in physical activity.
• Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not being used, stay on the lowest floor. Keep shades down and blinds closed, but windows slightly open.
• Go to a Cool Zone site on hot days.
• Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help sweat evaporate, which cools your body.
• Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath.
• Avoid using the oven.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's heat.
• Air out hot cars before getting into them.
• Never leave children or pets inside vehicles at any time, even with the windows cracked. Temperatures inside a vehicle can reach lethal levels no matter what the weather is like.
• Drink more fluids than usual even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine; they make the heat's effects on your body worse.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increases metabolic heat.
• Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• If you take diuretics, ask your physician about a lower dosage during hot weather.
• If it is safe to do so, leave windows open at night. Open windows on two sides to create cross ventilation.
• Place a piece of cardboard covered with aluminum foil in sunny windows to reflect sunlight and heat away from the house.
• Vacuum, clean or replace air filters regularly for maximum cooling efficiency.
• If affordable, install outdoor awnings or sunscreens.
• Call your physician if you feel you may be experiencing a heat-related illness.
Source: San Diego County
