Heat Wave Headed to San Diego County

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA: The first major heat wave of the season is headed to parts of San Diego County, prompting the National Weather Service to issue an excessive heat watch.

A strengthening high pressure system was expected to send desert temperatures soaring 10 to 20 degrees above normal, creating a warming trend through Saturday, according to the NWS.

The excessive heat watch was expected to be in effect from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening in desert areas of the county, such as Borrego Springs, where it may potentially reach a high of 110 degrees.

Elsewhere, Ramona is set to see its high temperature climb from 89 degrees on Thursday to 96 on Friday and 97 on Saturday, according to the weather service's 7-day forecast.

Inland areas such as Poway and Rancho Bernardo are forecast to be in the mid-80s on Thursday and the high-80s by Saturday, while temperatures in the beach cities will remain in the mid- to low-70s.

In La Mesa, the heat wave is expected to peak at 84 degrees on Saturday, while Santee is forecast for a high of 89 on Saturday.

A gradual cool down was expected to begin Sunday throughout the area.

Ahead of the heat wave, state safety regulators on Wednesday urged employers to protect their outdoor workers from heat illness. 

"Employers need to be aware of the rules that protect workers from heat illness," said Juliann Sum, chief of the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration. "Water, rest, shade and increased vigilance are absolutely essential in high heat conditions."

Cal-OSHA officials recommend that employers provide enough fresh water so that each employee can drink at least 1 quart, or four 8-ounce glasses of water per hour, and encourage them to do so. They are also advised to provide access to shade and encourage employees to take a cool-down rest in the shade for at least five minutes.

Cal/OSHA will inspect outdoor work sites in industries such as agriculture, construction, landscaping and others throughout the heat season.

Employers can call 800-963-9424 for assistance from Cal/OSHA Consultation Services. 

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR's Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734).

— City News Service contributed to this report. 

(Image via Shutterstock)