First extreme heat, then tropical storm, now high winds in store for San Diego

Temperatures will rise and Santa Ana winds will hit San Diego County starting early Thursday, prompting county officials to urge caution.

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for inland, mountain and foothill areas in San Diego County, along with a heat advisory for coastal areas, starting Thursday.

The worst of the winds and the heat are expected Friday afternoon. San Diego County foothills and valleys should be on alert from 6 a.m. Thursday to 8 p.m. Saturday.

East County valleys can expect northeast to east winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 45 to 55 mph, “locally higher near mountain foothills. For the western valleys, more localized wind gusts (of) 35 to 45 mph,” are forecast.

Mountain communities should expect northeast to east winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts of 50 to 65 mph.

High winds may cause power outages, blowing dust, tree damage and dangerous driving conditions for high-profile, taller vehicles. San Diego County officials urged residents to secure outdoor items such as patio furniture, umbrellas and trash bins and watch for downed power lines and monitor weather alerts and emergency updates through AlertSanDiego.org.

Additionally, a heat warning will be in effect for coastal communities, with highs expected to jump from the mid-to-high 70s Wednesday all the way to the low-90s Thursday. Lows will be in the high 60s to low 70s.

The heat advisory, like the wind warning, also continues through Saturday.

San Diego County has Cool Zones, including 33 branch libraries and community centers, offering air-conditioned spaces where people can escape the heat.