By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office
Mar. 16, 2026 | 2:33 PM
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Summer is still weeks away, but temperatures are expected to climb sharply around San Diego County this week, with heat advisories in San Diego County valleys and several cities.
Extreme heat can raise body temperature quickly and can lead to heatstroke, exhaustion, dizziness, nausea, confusion, headache and even death. Children, older adults and people with underlying health conditions are particularly at risk.
Here’s how to stay safe during this early heat wave.
Cool Zones and Indoor Relief
The County’s annual Cool Zones Program doesn’t officially begin until June 1. Until then, residents can still find air-conditioned relief at the County’s 33 branch libraries, open for regular business hours.
What to DO if Someone Shows Signs of Heatstroke or Heat Exhaustion
Call 9-1-1 immediately. Signs of heatstroke include dizziness, nausea, confusion and headache.
Begin cooling the person right away — move them into the shade; spray them with cool water and fan them.
If they are alert, place them in a cool shower if they are alert and monitor their body temperatures.
DO NOT give them fluids — a person with heatstroke may not be able to swallow safely.
Tips to Help People Avoid Heat-Related Problems
Stay in an air-conditioned space during the hottest hours of the day.
Don’t rely on electric fans alone when temperatures exceed 90 degrees.
Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.
Take cool showers.
Never leave a child, elderly person, or pet unattended in a car — even briefly.
Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
Wear sunscreen and a wide-brim hat if you must be in the sun.
Avoid using the oven to keep indoor temps lower.
Tips to Keep Your pets cool in hot weather
Keep your pets indoors if it is cooler inside.
Exercise pets in early morning hours or early evening only.
Keep your pets’ water supply in a tip-proof container, always topped off, and be sure it stays cool (pets will not drink water that is too hot).
Consider a misting system to keep the outdoor areas cooler.
Be sure your pet has shade ALL DAY, if they are outside. Remember, the sun’s position changes during the day.
Avoid car trips — vehicles heat up dangerously fast. On an 85-degree day, a car can reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes and soar upward even with the windows down an inch or two.
Check pavement temperatures — if it is too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for paws.
Offer a shallow wading pool or misting area.
Watch for signs of heat stress: heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, lethargy, or stumbling. Seek veterinary help immediately if you notice these.
The sun is beautiful, but dangerous in extreme heat. Stay cool, check on vulnerable neighbors and keep pets safe!
Gig Conaughton is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office.
