SAN DIEGO (CNS/KGTV) - A spell of extra-hot weather sent temperatures in inland San Diego County soaring Friday into the weekend.
A National Weather Service excessive heat warning for the deserts takes effect at 11 a.m. Friday and extend until 9 p.m. Saturday. A less severe heat advisory for the mountains and valleys will run concurrently.
On Thursday, sizzling temperatures were recorded in several inland communities across the region, including El Cajon, where the afternoon high of 94 degrees topped the former record of 93, set in 2014; and Ramona, where the maximum reading of 100 exceeded the prior July 6 milestone of 98, logged in 1976.
High temperatures Friday are expected to be 82 degrees in San Diego; 84 degrees in Oceanside; 89 degrees on Mount Laguna; 90 degrees on Palomar Mountain; 92 degrees in the Miramar area; 94 degrees in Julian; 95 degrees in Escondido; 101 degrees in Alpine; 102 degrees in Ramona; and 116 degrees in Borrego Springs, according to the NWS.
On Saturday, highs will range from 76 to 81 degrees at the beaches; 88 to 93 degrees in inland coastal areas; 91 to 96 degrees in the western valleys; 98 to 103 degrees near the foothills; 95 to 103 degrees in the mountains; and 113 to 118 degrees in the deserts.
RELATED: Latest 10News Pinpoint Weather Forecast
Cooler conditions are expected to prevail early next week, but isolated afternoon thunderstorms that will increase the risk of dry lightning may possibly develop over the mountains, with the greatest potential Sunday.
The hot weather will raise the risk of heat-related illness and anyone working or spending time outdoors would be more susceptible, as will the elderly, children and those unaccustomed to the heat. Forecasters advised residents to reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening, drink plenty of water, wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing and be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Authorities have also warned against leaving children, seniors or pets in parked cars, which can heat up to lethal levels in just minutes, even with a window partially open.
CALCULATOR: How hot it can get in a car
Just last month, 10News was there as police saved a four-month-old baby from a hot car. The baby was strapped in his car seat and sweating for about 15 minutes until someone spotted him.
In just minutes, temperatures inside cars can rise above 100 degrees, even when the temperature outside is in the 70s.
To prevent hot car-related deaths, the Hot Cars Acts of 2017 will require automakers to develop a plan to use technology to remind drivers that someone is still in the vehicle after it is turned off.
The average number of hot car deaths in the U.S. is 37 a year, and more than half the time it is because a child was forgotten by an adult.
Californians can intervene if they see a dog is left inside a dangerously hot car. Take these steps before you break a window to save a pup's life:
-- Call law enforcement to report the perilous situation
-- Make sure there aren't other ways to enter the vehicle. Door unlocked?
-- If you can't wait for law enforcement to arrive, use no more force than necessary to enter the vehicle and remove the dog
To help residents beat the heat, more than 100 locations around the county have been designated as Cool Zones. Those looking to escape the scorching outdoor temperatures can visit any of these air-conditioned spots.
Hot weather equals beach weather, but also stingrays
The warm weather will likely mean a busy weekend at local beaches, and San Diego lifeguards are giving the beachgoers a heads-up to keep a lookout for stingrays.
On Thursday, lifeguard officials told 10News that 20 people were stung by stingrays at Mission Beach and Pacific Beach.
Experts say stingrays usually hide under the water's surface and mind their own business. However, if they're disturbed or stepped on, they can strike.
According to experts, swimmers should perform the "stingray shuffle" when in the water. The vibrations from the feet movements will give stingrays a chance to get away.
@SDLifeguards remind people in the water to watch out for sting rays. Shuffle your feet as you walk in the water to scare them away. pic.twitter.com/QfHcycP9g2
— San Diego Lifeguards (@SDLifeguards) July 2, 2017
Conserving energy when it's hot outside
San Diego Gas & Electric says it's prepared to meet customers' energy needs this summer but conditions may require customers to conserve.
SDG&E has tips to help homeowners save energy this summer, including:
-- Using portable or ceiling fans instead of air conditioners
-- If using an air conditioner, set it to 78 degrees or higher
-- Use window coverings and other screens to block direct sunlight
Click here for more of SDG&E's summer saving tips
Our customers can help #saveenergy when demand is high this #summer. Learn about the tools https://t.co/yskPIOq0Vi pic.twitter.com/8UbzeXp6vA
— SDG&E (@SDGE) July 7, 2017
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