NWS extends red flag wildfire warning for second time due to dry, hot conditions

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) — The National Weather Service has extended a red flag warning for a second time due to a stubborn hot spell, gusty winds and low humidity levels.

The red flag wildfire warning will extend to 9 p.m. Thursday. It was set to expire Wednesday, but continuing dry and hot conditions have made another alert necessary. The alert indicates imminent potential for “extreme fire behavior.”

While some coastal locales — including Del Mar, Oceanside Harbor and Point Loma — enjoyed a cool-down from Monday, with Wednesday afternoon temperatures in the mid-70s, other areas a bit farther from the ocean were again stuck with highs in the 80s and low 90s, forecasters reported.

Thermometer readings ranged from the low 90s to 105 degrees in the inland valleys, climbed into the upper 80s in the mountains and reached 112 and 114 in the desert towns of Borrego Springs and Ocotillo Wells.

The toasty weather brought about heat records in several communities, including Alpine, where the mercury hit 105, exceeding the prior Aug. 16 high mark of 101. El Cajon and Ramona each topped out at 104, surpassing their prior milestones of 102 and 103.

Authorities advised the public to guard against potentially serious heat-
related ailments by staying hydrated; avoiding unnecessary outdoor labor;
checking on neighbors and relatives, especially the elderly; and making sure to never leave children, seniors or pets in parked cars, which can quickly become death traps when temperatures are high.

A gradual cooling trend is expected to kick in over the second half of the workweek, meteorologists said.