Excessive Heat — San Diego County Deserts, California

2021-06-14 to 2021-06-21 · San Diego County Deserts, California

Event narrative

Scorching heat occurred across this region with temperatures over 120 degrees. Ocotillo Wells reported a high 123 degrees twice on June 17th and 18th, as well as a low temperature of 98 degrees on the morning of June 20th. Two hikers had to be rescued from the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail around 12:40 PM on the 19th due to heat related illness. One hiker died at the scene, and the other was transported to a hospital and is in critical condition. A firefighter who was aiding with the rescue also suffered from heat illness, though his condition is unknown. It was around 112 degrees at the time.

Wider weather episode

A long lasting heat wave occurred across Southern California from June 14th through the 20th, where many daily records were broken. A wildfire also broke out in the Riverside County Mountains on the 13th, which led to damages and road closures. Isolated thunderstorms also produced gusty winds.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 966945. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.