National Weather Service issues special weather statement for the heat

SAN DIEGO AND Riverside COUNTIES - The National Weather Service (NWS) in San Diego has issued a special weather statement for the hot weather that is expected to continue through Friday.

A strong ridge of high pressure over the southwest will bring more hot weather to the region through Friday. Temps will be way above average except at the coast. A cooling trend will begin over the weekend. High temperature forecasts through Friday:

COASTAL ZONES.......75-85

MOUNTAINS...........84-94

SAN DIEGO VALLEYS...90-100

INLAND EMPIRE.......98-106

HIGH DESERTS........100-108

LOWER DESERTS.......112-119

Some monsoon moisture will also spread across the region through Saturday and there is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly over the mountains and deserts during the afternoons through Saturday. This moisture will also keep nighttime temperatures way above average. Inland Valley lows will only fall into the upper 60s or lower 70s, and the lows in the lower deserts will be in the mid 80s to lower 90s.

The NWS is warning the public to take precautions to protect from heat by wearing loose fitting and light weight clothing and to drink plenty of water, as well as take advantage of shade and air conditioning whenever possible. According to the NWS, heat-related illness becomes much more likely during prolonged periods of excessive heat. The elderly, those who work outdoors and the homeless are the most at risk.