Heat and the holiday weekend prompt crowded SoCal beaches

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — With record-breaking temperatures Labor Day weekend, the usual holiday crowd grew larger for San Diego beaches.

However, not everyone wanted to join the masses.

“But right now it’s so crowded, so crowded and I prefer to avoid that,” said El Cajon resident Celso Patricio.

He filled up gallons of water at a water station in East County in preparation. He said the hydration and his air conditioning are how he stays cool in his East County neighborhood.

RELATED: Sweltering heat sets several records across San Diego County

Down the street, Darrin Schallock washed his car at a self-service car wash. He jokingly said the chore is welcomed in the triple-digit heat.

“Yeah it’s warm it’s hot, agreed, but that’s why I’m washing my car here, I can wash my car, take a bath, take a shower, save electricity it’s great,” said Schallock.

Hot temperatures could break records throughout the holiday weekend. Coastal areas will see highs in the 90s for Saturday and Sunday, and just a few miles inland highs will jump into the 100s, even the mountains. Deserts will be close to 120 for about the third time this summer. A Red Flag Warning will be in effect from 10 a.m. Saturday until 6 p.m. Sunday. It includes inland valleys to the mountains.

The heat prompted a state-wide flex alert for the weekend. According to the California Independent System Operator, the flex alert goes into effect Saturday, Sept. 5, and lasts through Monday, Sept. 7. The operator asked customers statewide to conserve energy from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.