Temperatures along the Carlsbad coast could hit the mid-80s and climb into the low 90s just a few miles inland starting Wednesday, prompting the city to issue a heat advisory running Wednesday, Aug. 26, through Saturday, Aug. 29.
The city's advisory, posted Monday, Aug. 24, urges older adults, young children and anyone vulnerable to heat-related illness to take extra precautions. The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch for the coastal corridor from Oceanside to Chula Vista, which includes Carlsbad, covering the same period, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
A high-pressure system anchored over the Southwest is driving the heat wave, and the National Weather Service says it isn't moving soon. Overnight lows will run 5 to 7 degrees above normal because the ocean is unusually warm, making sleep difficult for residents without air conditioning.
Cooling center open on Dove Lane
The Carlsbad City Library at 1775 Dove Lane is open as an air-conditioned cooling center. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., according to the library's website.
What the city says to do
City safety officials recommend:
- Drink more water than usual, even when not thirsty.
- Schedule outdoor exercise for early morning or evening and take frequent breaks.
- Never leave children or pets in a parked car. Interior temperatures can spike to dangerous levels even with windows cracked.
- Keep pets in shade with fresh water throughout the day.
- Check on neighbors, family members and friends who live alone or may struggle in the heat.
The city said a quick call or visit "can help make sure they are staying cool, hydrated and safe."
Know the signs of heat illness
Dizziness, nausea and unusual tiredness are warning signs. The city advises anyone feeling unwell to contact a physician or seek medical care.
For heatstroke, San Diego County guidance is more urgent: call 911 immediately if someone shows confusion, severe nausea or a headache that won't quit. Move the person to shade, spray them with cool water and fan them. Do not give fluids, according to county guidance reported by Fox 5, because a heatstroke victim may not be able to swallow safely.
Above-normal temperatures and high humidity are expected to persist through the end of August, according to the National Weather Service.
