San Diego Heat Wave Breaks Temperature Record in Ramona

SAN DIEGO, CA — A stubborn summer heat wave weakened slightly Wednesday but still kept much of the San Diego area decidedly toasty for the fifth consecutive day.

A National Weather Service "red flag" alert remained in effect and was slated to extend until 9 p.m. Thursday due to the lingering spell of sweltering temperatures, gusty winds and low humidity levels. The alert indicates imminent potential for "extreme fire behavior" — a threat vividly demonstrated by a fast-moving brush fire that blackened about 15 open acres and threatened homes in Spring Valley this afternoon.

Coastal locales saw highs ranging from the low 70s to the mid-90s over the day, forecasters reported. Top-end thermometer readings ranged from the mid-90s to 103 degrees in the inland valleys, varied from the low 80s to 101 in the mountains and reached 112 in the local deserts.

One East County community, Ramona, logged a heat record of 102 for the date, exceeding the prior Aug. 17 high mark of 97. Alpine and El Cajon, meanwhile, tied their previous milestones of 101 and 102.

Authorities advised the public to guard against potentially serious heat-related ailments by staying hydrated; avoiding unnecessary outdoor labor; checking on neighbors and relatives, especially the elderly; and making sure to never leave children, seniors or pets in parked cars, which can quickly become death traps when temperatures are high.

The gradual cooling trend is expected to continue for the next several days, leading to temperatures close to seasonal averages by the weekend, meteorologists said.

— City News Service; Image via Shutterstock