San Diego told to avoid drinking alcohol as California heat wave hits

The National Weather Service (NWS) has advised people not to drink alcohol as extreme heat hits San Diego.

This comes as excessive heat warnings have been issued for various regions across Southern California, Arizona and Nevada, effective from 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 4, to 8 p.m. on Friday, September 6. Affected regions include Orange County, the Inland Empire, Coachella Valley and San Diego County, as well as various mountain ranges.

The NWS advised that extreme heat events increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, warning people to take precautionary actions, including “drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.”

The Coachella Valley and San Diego County deserts are among the hardest-hit areas, where temperatures could soar to between 112 and 118 degrees Fahrenheit, with nighttime lows only dropping to the 80s or 90s.

San Bernardino County Valley, the Riverside County valleys and parts of the Inland Empire could see temperatures ranging from 102 to 112 degrees.

The NWS has advised against consuming alcohol in the period of extreme heat. It said: “Alcohol can dehydrate the body and impair the ability to regulate temperature, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.”

“It’s recommended to avoid alcoholic beverages and instead focus on drinking plenty of water or other non-alcoholic, hydrating fluids to maintain proper hydration and support the body’s ability to cope with the intense heat.”

The heat wave is also expected to impact urban areas, such as Las Vegas and Phoenix, where temperatures may reach up to 117 degrees.

These extreme heat conditions are expected to increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The NWS advises residents to avoid sun exposure, and to check in on neighbors and relatives. The warnings also stress the importance of not leaving children or pets unattended in vehicles, as interior temperatures can quickly become lethal.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that outdoor workers take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Public cooling centers are available in many areas, and residents are encouraged to utilize these facilities as needed. The heat warnings could be extended beyond Friday, depending on the persistence of high temperatures.

The NWS Climate Prediction Center warned last week that high temperatures, accompanied by other weather factors, could increase the risk of wildfires. The Northeast and Midwest are currently expecting cooler temperatures than normal, with frost risks having been issued in New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont.

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