Encinitas residents face a week of dangerously hot weather starting at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, with coastal temperatures forecast in the mid-80s to lower 90s and mesa areas climbing to the mid-90s and near 102°F.

The National Weather Service issued an Extreme Heat Warning covering San Diego County's coastal cities, including Encinitas, effective through 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8. Overnight lows will stay in the 70s, giving little relief after dark.

The heat wave is being driven by high pressure and Santa Ana winds. The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that inland wind gusts of 25 to 40 mph are expected, with mountain gusts reaching 50 mph. The winds are forecast to peak Saturday, Oct. 3, and diminish after Sunday.

NWS forecaster Kyle Wheeler told the Union-Tribune on Thursday, Oct. 1, "We'll have this warm weather late into next week."

The Climate Prediction Center puts the chance of above-normal temperatures through mid-October at 80 to 90 percent, according to ABC 10News. The warning itself may be extended.

Power shutoff risk

San Diego Gas & Electric may activate Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) if wildfire risk escalates. The County of San Diego said shutoffs are possible through Monday, Oct. 5. Separately, the Union-Tribune reported that SDG&E flagged a particular period of concern from 5 a.m. Friday through 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6.

SDG&E sent PSPS notices to about 35,000 customers in inland and rural communities such as Alpine, El Cajon, Fallbrook, Ramona and Valley Center, Fox 5 reported. Encinitas was not among the communities listed. Residents can check whether their address is affected at SDG&E's PSPS Dashboard at sdge.com/psps-dashboard.

The county has not had significant rain since June, the Union-Tribune reported, raising wildfire danger across the region.

Cool Zones and safety tips

The county operates 33 Cool Zone locations at libraries and community centers. The closest confirmed site to Encinitas is the Cardiff-by-the-Sea Branch Library at 2081 Newcastle Ave. Its hours are Tuesday noon to 7 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The branch is closed Sunday and Monday. Only service animals are allowed. Hours are based on the county's published schedule and may change during the heat event.

A full list and interactive map of Cool Zone sites is available on the county's website.

The county advises residents to stay in air-conditioned spaces during peak heat, drink plenty of water and avoid relying on fans alone when temperatures exceed 90 degrees. Groups at highest risk include older adults, children, people with chronic conditions, pregnant individuals and outdoor workers. Signs of heat illness include dizziness, nausea, confusion and fainting.

To prepare for possible outages, the county recommends charging phones and medical devices, cooling homes early in the day and keeping water on hand.

Residents can sign up for emergency alerts at AlertSanDiego.org.