The Heat is On All Around the County: Here’s How to Stay Safe

July 27, 2026

The National Weather Service has issued heat warnings and advisories across San Diego County for late July, with desert areas facing an Extreme Heat Warning until Monday evening and coastal regions under a Heat Advisory from Thursday through Saturday. Temperatures are expected to reach dangerous levels, climbing to 118 degrees in desert areas, over 100 degrees in mountains and valleys, and upper 80s along the coast. County officials are urging residents to take precautions including staying hydrated, avoiding sun exposure, and utilizing the 33 air-conditioned Cool Zone locations available at libraries and community centers.

Who is affected

Residents of San Diego County desert regions
Valley and mountain area residents
Coastal area residents
Children, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant individuals, and outdoor workers (identified as particularly at-risk groups)
People living near the Tijuana River Valley in the South Bay
People sensitive to air pollution
Pets

What action is being taken

The County is operating Cool Zones at 33 branch libraries, community centers, and other locations providing air-conditioned facilities
Officials are suggesting people drink fluids, stay out of the sun, remain in air-conditioned spaces, and check on friends and relatives

Why it matters

Extreme heat can cause serious health consequences including heatstroke, exhaustion, dizziness, nausea, confusion, headache, and death, particularly for vulnerable populations. Additionally, the high temperatures create a compounding danger for South Bay residents near the Tijuana River Valley by increasing hydrogen sulfide emissions, which produce hazardous air quality conditions and a strong rotten egg odor that can worsen respiratory symptoms.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint