Triple-digit highs forecast as San Diego County braces for heat wave next week

It’s time to go outside and enjoy near-average temperatures through Monday in San Diego County, with night and morning low clouds lingering along the coast.

Highs on Sunday are expected to reach 74 near the coast, 80 inland, 79 to 83 in the western valleys, 87 to 92 near the coast, 86 to 96 in the mountains and 108 to 113 in the deserts, according to the National Weather Service.

Conditions are set to change early next week, as a strengthening high-pressure system over the Desert Southwest brings significantly hotter weather inland.

Starting Tuesday, inland temperatures will begin to rise, with the warmest conditions expected Wednesday and Thursday. Highs are forecast to climb 5 to 10 degrees above normal, marking the region’s first notable heat wave of the summer. Areas such as Ramona and Pine Valley face a 40% to 70% chance of reaching triple-digit temperatures, while the lower deserts could see highs approach 115 degrees, depending on humidity levels.

Though thunderstorm activity is unlikely, a surge of monsoonal moisture may add humidity to the mix, especially midweek, making conditions feel even more oppressive in the valleys and deserts, the NWS said.

Slight relief may come by late week, but temperatures are expected to remain above average, forecasters said.