SAN DIEGO (KGTV) —
The heat is not going anywhere anytime soon.
A strong ridge of high pressure remains locked over the Southwest, keeping temperatures across San Diego County roughly 5 to 10 degrees above average through much of the week. That means another stretch of hot afternoons, warm nights and elevated heat risk across much of the region.
Sunday starts with some patchy low clouds near the coast, but the marine layer remains shallow and limited. Those clouds should clear quickly after sunrise, leaving mostly sunny skies and another hot afternoon across inland communities.
A Heat Advisory remains in effect for San Diego County’s inland valleys and mountains through 10 a.m. Tuesday.
After that, the heat could become even more widespread. An Extreme Heat Watch is set to begin Tuesday morning and continue through Friday evening, and this one includes San Diego County’s coastal areas, valleys and mountains.
The deserts remain under an Extreme Heat Warning through 8 p.m. Friday, with major to extreme HeatRisk expected to continue.
Monsoon chances slowly return
Monsoonal moisture will remain somewhat limited through the weekend, so most of San Diego County should stay dry.
A rogue shower could develop over the mountains Sunday, but thunderstorm development is unlikely.
By Monday, more monsoonal moisture begins moving back into the region. That will bring a slight chance of isolated afternoon showers and thunderstorms over the mountains and adjacent deserts through the week, with somewhat better chances possible later in the week.
Any storms that do form could produce locally heavy rain, gusty winds and lightning.
Brief cooldown before temperatures climb again
Monday may bring a slight dip in temperatures, but it will not last long.
The ridge of high pressure remains in place, allowing temperatures to gradually climb again by the middle of the week. Above-average daytime highs and warmer-than-normal overnight lows are expected to continue through Friday.
Those warm nights are important because they limit how much relief people get from the heat after sunset, increasing the overall heat risk.
Bigger surf arrives later this week
The beaches will also have something to watch by midweek.
A southerly swell is expected to build Wednesday and Thursday, bringing elevated surf to south-facing beaches, especially across northern San Diego County.
Breaking waves of 4 to 6 feet are likely, with some local sets reaching up to 8 feet.
That could lead to stronger rip currents, hazardous swimming conditions and some minor coastal flooding around low-lying beaches, parking lots and roads.
Surf is expected to gradually ease by Friday.
Bottom line
The main weather story this week is the heat.
San Diego County will remain hotter than normal, with the most widespread and intense heat developing from Tuesday through Friday. Monsoon chances return to the mountains and deserts, while elevated surf becomes a concern at the coast by Wednesday and Thursday.
Anyone spending time outdoors should stay hydrated, limit strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day and keep an eye on children, older adults and pets during this prolonged stretch of heat.
Sunday’s Highs
Coast: 78–88°
Inland: 90–101°
Mountains: 89–103°
Deserts: 113–117°
