SoCal is officially in heat-wave mode – and San Diegans need to prepare for what’s shaping up to be the hottest week of the year. A late-August high-pressure system is bringing extreme temperatures to the region, raising the risk of heat-related illnesses and putting a strain on the local power grid.
What’s the forecast?
While coastal neighborhoods will have some relief with temperatures hovering in the 80s to low 90s, inland areas are a different story. If you live 5-10 miles inland or are heading toward the local deserts, prepare for triple-digit heat. Forecasters warn that inland temperatures could soar between 100 and 110 degrees through Friday.
The National Weather Service emphasizes that this isn’t a typical summer warm spell, but a severe weather event. It’s driven by intense sunshine, sinking air, and very limited overnight cooling.
The grid is under pressure
The soaring temperatures aren’t just making us sweat, but also pushing California’s power grid to its limits. As millions of air conditioners work overtime, grid operators are anticipating huge energy demands. To help avert outages and blackouts, residents should be on the lookout for Flex Alerts.
San Diegans are encouraged to do their part by voluntarily conserving electricity, particularly during the peak load hours of 4 – 9 PM.
What to do & how to stay safe during the San Diego heatwave
- Stay cool: Limit outdoor activities during the afternoon. Keep hydrated, and ensure children, older adults, and pets have a cool indoor environment.
- Do your best to ease the grid: Try to pre-cool your home earlier in the day, bump your thermostat up to 78 degrees or higher during peak evening hours, and wait until after 9 PM to run major appliances.
Stay safe this week, San Diego!
