Extreme Heat Warning in Effect as County Expands Safety Measures and Prepares for Possible Power Shutoffs

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The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for portions of San Diego County starting Friday morning. The combination of extreme heat and Santa Ana winds in the forecast is prompting the possibility of power shutoffs for some SDG&E customers through Oct. 5.

The County of San Diego urges residents to prepare for potential power outages and take steps to prevent heat-related illnesses as temperatures climb.

Forecasters expect dangerously high temperatures through next Thursday, with highs in the 90s near the coast and reaching the 100s in inland valleys. Warm overnight lows will make it harder for people to cool down, and the hot, dry weather will raise wildfire danger across the region.

Hot, dry and windy conditions often overlap with Red Flag periods, increasing the chance of fast‑moving wildfires. SDG&E is monitoring conditions and may activate Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) if wildfire risk increases. The PSPS Dashboard provides real‑time information on potentially impacted communities, and the utility will post additional written updates as conditions change.

The County urges residents to stay alert to fire‑weather advisories, avoid activities that can spark fires, secure trailer chains, dispose of cigarettes safely and keep household emergency go‑kits ready. These prevention steps reduce the risk of ignition and support community safety.

Stay Safe During the Heat

Stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts at AlertSanDiego.org, where you can register your phone number, receive important notifications and find preparedness information.

When temperatures rise this high, heat can be dangerous for people and pets. Extreme heat can cause heat exhaustion or heatstroke, especially for older adults, children, people with chronic conditions, pregnant individuals and outdoor workers.

Signs of heat illness include dizziness, nausea, confusion, heavy sweating, headaches or fainting. Seek help immediately if symptoms appear.

Residents should take basic steps to stay safe:

Stay in air‑conditioned spaces during peak heat.
Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary or alcoholic drinks.
Wear lightweight, loose‑fitting clothing.
Avoid using fans alone when temperatures exceed 90 degrees.
Never leave children, older adults or pets in vehicles.

The County’s Cool Zones, including 33 branch libraries and community centers, offer air‑conditioned spaces where people can escape the heat. The County’s website lists all Cool Zone locations and includes an interactive map.

Tijuana River Valley Effects

Near the Tijuana River Valley, the County monitors hydrogen sulfide odors, which increase during heat events. The County advises residents to limit outdoor activity, close windows and run air‑conditioning on recirculate to reduce exposure.

People can get more information at the County’s Tijuana River Valley Environmental Dashboard.

Remember Your Pets

Pets need protection from extreme heat. The County urges owners to keep animals indoors when possible, provide continuous clean water, limit outdoor activity to early morning or evening and never leave pets in parked cars.

County Encourages Power‑Outage Readiness

With possible Public Safety Power Shutoffs approaching, the County advises residents to:

Charge phones, flashlights and medical devices.
Cool homes early in the day.
Visit Cool Zones if indoor temperatures rise to unsafe levels.
Prepare communication plans with family and neighbors.
Keep water on hand and monitor official alerts.

County emergency teams continue tracking weather and fire conditions and coordinating with public‑safety partners to safeguard the community throughout the heat event. County departments are also reaching out to vulnerable people they serve in areas that may be most impacted.