Summer got off to a scorching start in the San Diego area Monday as an intense hot spell grew even fiercer across the region, particularly in its eastern reaches.
The torrid conditions set a number of heat records for the date, including 118 degrees in Borrego Springs, topping the prior June 20 milestone of 116, set in 2008, according to the National Weather Service.
Other milestone highs were logged in Campo, where the mercury reached the 110-degree mark, exceeding the earlier high mark of 105, set in 2008; 109 degrees in Ramona (106, 2008); 107 in El Cajon (94, 2007); 106 in Escondido (104, 1973); 96 on Palomar Mountain (92, 2015); and 91 in Chula Vista (85, 2008).
Highest Maximum Temperature Records Broken Or Tied On June 20, 2016
Ramona: 109
Borrego Springs: 116
Chula Vista: 91
Escondido: 106
Alpine: 107
El Cajon: 107
Idyllwild: 97
Palomar Mountain: 96
Campo: 110
The swelter added to the challenges faced by firefighters laboring to extinguish a blaze that has charred about 2,000 open, brushy acres in the far southern reaches of the county since erupting near Potrero late Sunday morning.
Some coastal areas, though, were enjoying more temperate weather, such as the reasonably comfortable 76-degree climate at Lindbergh Field alongside San Diego Bay in the early afternoon.
An excessive-heat warning for inland areas is set to remain in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday. A less severe heat advisory for the coast is scheduled to expire at 8 o'clock tonight.
Temperatures are expected to lower somewhat Tuesday, when high temperatures should fall to 84 to 94 degrees in the valleys, and on Wednesday, when they likely will range from 108 to 115 degrees in the lower deserts, 99 to 107 in the upper deserts and in the 80s or 90s in the mountains, according to forecasters.
Authorities advised the public to avoid potentially serious heat-related ailments by staying well-hydrated, avoiding unnecessary outdoor labor and checking on neighbors and relatives — especially those with health conditions and who lack air conditioning.
Officials also warned against leaving children or pets in parked cars, which can quickly become death traps in high heat.
Residents are urged to conserve electricity as much as possible, especially during peak hours from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. This can be done by not using appliances such as washing machines, dryers and microwave ovens, and by turning off lights and computers when they're not needed.
