Excessive Heat Warning Begins In Ramona Amid Scorching Heat Wave

RAMONA, CA — Scorching heat is expected everywhere except the coast in San Diego County Friday and the brutal stretch of temperatures is not expected to relent until the middle of next week, according to the National Weather Service.

Building high pressure over the southwestern U.S. will usher in scorching temperatures for the next five to six days, with the peak of the heat expected Friday through Monday, forecasters said.

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning that is in effect from noon Friday to 9 p.m. Monday in the county's valleys, mountains and deserts, which includes Ramona.

High temperatures Friday are forecast to reach 86 degrees near the coast, 96 inland, 100 in the western valleys, 106 near the foothills, 103 in the mountains and 120 in the deserts.

Highs in the county deserts are expected to remain around 118 through Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. Highs in the western valleys are forecast to top out in the low-to-mid 90s through Wednesday as well, while highs near the foothills will remain in the mid-to-high 90s through at least Thursday.

Borrego Springs set a high temperature record on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. The city recorded a high of 117, passing its previous record of 114 in 2012.

As a result of the high temperatures, a statewide Flex Alert has been issued. The alert issued by the California Independent System Operator calls for Golden State residents and businesses to conserve electricity between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday — when demand is expected to peak — in an effort to avoid power outages.

Also see: Amid Sweltering Heat Wave, Flex Alert Issued Across California

To stay safe during the heat wave, weather officials urged residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors. Children and pets should be never be left unattended in a vehicle, with car interiors able to "reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes," the National Weather Service said.

Officials warned residents to be wary of heat exhaustion or heat stroke after spending prolonged time outdoors.

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Call 911 immediately for heat-related illness.

City News Service and Patch editor Kristina Houck contributed to this report.