San Diego, California – Southern California is in the grip of a dangerous heat wave this week, with inland areas facing triple-digit temperatures and some popular recreational spots shuttered for public safety. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory through 8 p.m. Wednesday for San Diego County’s inland valleys and mountain communities, where temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 90s—potentially breaking seasonal records.
The advisory applies to cities including El Cajon, San Marcos, Poway, Escondido, Santee, Pine Valley, and Julian. In the Inland Empire, forecasts call for highs of up to 102 degrees, while the Coachella Valley could reach a blistering 111. Meanwhile, coastal areas are enjoying relatively moderate highs in the mid-70s, with temperatures rising to the high 80s further inland.
The elevated temperatures—running 10 to 15 degrees above normal for mid-June—have triggered closures of popular hiking destinations like Three Sisters Falls and Cedar Creek Falls. The U.S. Forest Service says the decision is meant to prevent heat-related medical emergencies in remote areas where emergency response is difficult…