Relief from the Scorching Heat Wave on the Horizon

This section introduces the main topic of the article: the heat wave in San Diego and the expected relief.

San Diego’s relentless heat wave, which has been plaguing the region for nearly a week, is finally showing signs of easing. However, relief is still a few days away as temperatures soared to triple digits once again on Monday. The persistent heat has been testing the limits of San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) infrastructure, leading to power outages for some customers.

Nikki Tolliver cools off in the La Mesa Municipal Pool where temperatures hovered around 100 degrees in the area on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Table of Contents

The Toll of Extreme Heat on SDG&E

This section focuses on the impact of the heat on SDG&E’s power grid and customer outages.

The relentless heat put a strain on SDG&E’s system, causing power outages for thousands of customers on Sunday. While the number of customers experiencing outages dropped significantly by Monday evening, the company acknowledged the extreme heat’s impact on its equipment. “The lack of cooling in the evenings puts an enormous strain on our system,” explained SDG&E spokesperson Alex Welling. Sunday saw over 10,000 customers in the Spring Valley and Rancho San Diego areas lose power due to a malfunction at a substation in Jamacha.

Record-breaking Energy Demand

This section highlights the record energy consumption during the heat wave.

The heat wave pushed energy demand to an unprecedented level, reaching a peak of 5,032 megawatts on Sunday evening. This shattered the previous record of 4,890 megawatts set in September 2014, demonstrating the extreme pressure the heat wave placed on the region’s energy grid.

A Break in the Heat Wave

This section focuses on the expected changes in weather conditions that will bring relief from the heat wave.

While the heat wave remained in full force on Monday, a glimmer of hope appeared on the horizon. Meteorologists predicted that a high-pressure system responsible for the sweltering temperatures would weaken as a low-pressure trough moves in from the north.

“We need to hold on until Wednesday,” stated Casey Oswalt, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in San Diego. “A low-pressure system moving in from the Gulf of Alaska will push out the high-pressure system that has been lingering for nearly a week.”

Cooler Temperatures on the Way

This section provides details about the expected drop in temperatures following the heat wave.

The arrival of the low-pressure system is expected to bring a much-needed drop in temperatures starting on Tuesday. Coastal areas and deserts will experience temperatures about 5 to 10 degrees above normal. By Wednesday, temperatures are expected to decrease another 10 to 15 degrees, and this trend is forecast to continue into early next week.

The Unrelenting Heat

This section describes the ongoing heat wave and the impact on different areas within the San Diego region.

Despite the promising forecast, the heat wave continues to grip the region, with an excessive heat warning remaining in effect into Monday evening. Inland cities such as Fallbrook, Santee, and Escondido reached scorching highs of 104 degrees, while Valley Center recorded a sweltering 106 degrees. Even coastal areas that are typically known for their mild climate felt the heat, with San Diego International Airport and Oceanside reaching a high of 91 degrees.

A Record-breaking Heat Wave

This section highlights the unique nature of the heat wave and its impact on record temperatures.

This heat wave, which began on September 4th, has brought a distinct and unusual type of heat to the San Diego region, leading to record-breaking “high lows” in several communities. These high lows refer to the unusually high overnight temperatures for this time of year. Escondido’s temperature dropped only to 79 degrees on Sunday, shattering a record set in 2015. San Diego International Airport also experienced a record-setting low temperature of 75 degrees, matching a record set in 2022.

“It’s simply not cooling off overnight, and that’s the primary factor contributing to these extremely hot conditions,” Oswalt explained.

Avoiding Grid Strain

This section addresses efforts to prevent power outages during the heat wave.

Despite the extreme heat, the California Independent System Operator (ISO), which manages the state’s electric grid, has not yet requested that customers voluntarily reduce their energy use. However, the ISO has instructed utilities and other entities involved in California’s energy markets to avoid conducting maintenance work, ensuring that all available generation and transmission lines remain operational. This directive will remain in effect until Monday evening.

SDG&E’s Commitment to Restoring Power

This section emphasizes SDG&E’s dedication to quickly restoring power to affected customers.

In the event of power outages, SDG&E assures customers that its crews are committed to restoring power as swiftly and safely as possible. “Our crews will be working tirelessly in this heat to bring your power back online as quickly and safely as possible,” stated SDG&E spokesperson Alex Welling.

In conclusion, while San Diego continues to experience scorching temperatures, signs of relief are finally appearing on the horizon. The expected weakening of the high-pressure system and the arrival of a low-pressure trough will bring cooler temperatures starting on Tuesday, providing much-needed respite from the oppressive heat. Despite the challenges posed by the heat wave, SDG&E remains dedicated to ensuring the reliable delivery of power to its customers and swiftly restoring service in the event of outages.