Hot, dry weather creates risk of wildfire

Temperatures are expected to top 100 in Ramona as hot, dry weather is forecast throughout San Diego County today and this weekend, creating some risk of wildfire, according to the National Weather Service.

The weather service predicts temperatures could be 15 to 20 degrees higher than average in coastal and valley areas today and especially Saturday, when no marine layer whatsoever is expected.

Temperatures in the 80s are expected at the beaches, up to 98 degrees a few miles inland, up to 104 degrees in the valleys and up to 106 degrees in the deserts. Overnight temperatures should drop back into the high 60s and 70s, according to NWS forecasters.

With humidity levels relatively low, the heat index that gauges how hot it really feels will not reach critical values, according to the NWS. But the conditions will create a heightened risk of fire.

“There will be an elevated wildfire risk over the foothills and adjacent valleys in San Diego County,” where the vegetation is dry “and local gusts of 25 to 35 miles per hour from the east are expected, mainly during the mid to late morning,” states an NWS advisory.

The NWS advised those planning to be outdoors to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.

“Cooling will begin on Sunday and continue through early next week as high pressure aloft weakens and onshore flow increases,” the advisory said.