Prepare for third day of torrid heat today

Ramona and Inland San Diego County will swelter in torrid heat for a third consecutive day today, Thursday, because of a heat wave expected to linger into the weekend.

Temperatures at Ramona Airport hit a high of 99 degrees on Wednesday, and it was already 89 degrees at 9 a.m. Thursday.

The National Weather Service warned that the heat could be deadly for unprepared campers and hikers.

According to the agency, it is hottest in the desert areas, where an excessive heat warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. Friday.

During the warning period, high temperatures in the deserts will be between 111 and 119 degrees, the agency advised.

“The combinations of the hot days along with warm nights can result in very oppressive conditions, in which the body cannot recover as quickly,’’ a NWS advisory said.

“Conditions like heat stroke or heat exhaustion are possible, especially if engaging in strenuous activities. Pets are also susceptible to this heat as well.’’

“Overnight temperatures will also remain quite warm,’’ according to a Weather Service advisory.

There’s also a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in mountain areas this afternoon.

Near the foothills, highs are expected to reach between 97 and 102 degrees today.

In coastal and western valleys today, temperatures are expected to be up to 10 degrees above normal for this time of year. The weather service forecast highs in the mid-70s to high 80s along the coast and high 80s to low 90s in the western valleys.

“A minor cooling trend will begin this weekend west of the mountains,” the agency said. “However, it will remain very hot in the deserts Saturday and Sunday.”