Despite the fact we have a few more days of spring on the calendar, we’re heading into an unusually intense heat wave today, with temperatures expected to exceed 95 degrees for several days in many of our District 6 neighborhoods.
According to the National Weather Service, all areas of the county except those along the immediate coast will be under an excessive heat watch from 10 a.m. on Tuesday the 15th to 9 p.m. on Friday the 18th. Humidity will also be in the single digits, raising concerns over wildfire. The only good news is our offshore flow won’t be accompanied by strong winds, but that also means breezes will be minimal. It’s just going to be hot.
And just in time for the heat wave, the state is re-opening today after declaring an end to the 15 months of COVID-19 lockdown, meaning some City of San Diego libraries will be open to serve as cool zones if your home becomes too hot. Unfortunately, this doesn’t include every library in the city (yet), and your pet won’t be allowed in the library unless it’s a certified service animal, so consider making other plans for you and your furry friends if that’s the case.
Here in District 6, both the Balboa Library on Mt. Abernathy in Clairemont and the Mira Mesa Library are within our current district boundaries, but for now only the Mira Mesa Library on New Salem Dr. and Camino Ruiz is back open.
Mira Mesa Library (D6)
8405 New Salem St.
San Diego, CA 92126
There are, of course, several libraries just outside our District 6 boundaries in adjoining council districts, including the Clairemont Library on Burgener Blvd. (D2), the North Clairemont Library on Clairemont Dr. (D2), the Rancho Peñasquitos Library on Salmon River Rd. (D5) the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library on Scripps Lake Dr. (D5), Linda Vista Library on Ulric St. (D7) and the Serra Mesa/Kearny Mesa Library on the south side of Aero Dr. (D7).
However, from my earlier conversation with library staff this morning, I’m told Mira Mesa is the only library in and around District 6 that’s back on regular 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. hours.
In addition to Mira Mesa, these city libraries are also open for cool zone needs from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except Sundays:
Central Library (D3)
330 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101
Carmel Valley (D1)
3919 Townsgate Dr.
San Diego, CA 92130
College/Rolando (D9)
6600 Montezuma Rd.
San Diego, CA 92115
La Jolla (D1)
7555 Draper Ave.
La Jolla, CA 92037
Logan Heights (D8)
567 S. 28th St.
San Diego, CA 92113
Mission Hills/Hillcrest (D3)
215 W. Washington St.
San Diego, CA 92103
Mission Valley (D7)
2123 Fenton Parkway
San Diego, CA 92108
Point Loma (D2)
3701 Voltaire St.
San Diego, CA 92107
Rancho Bernardo (D5)
17110 Bernardo Center Dr.
San Diego, CA 92128
San Ysidro (D8)
4235 Beyer Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92173
Valencia Park/Malcolm X (D9)
5148 Market St.
San Diego, CA 92114
Our city also has 57 recreation centers at various parks around town. Many of these recreation centers also serve as cool zones. Enter your zip code into the site to find the one closest to you.
In the meantime, apply common sense the next few days. Walk your dog and exercise outdoors as early as possible, and be aware that while you may have footwear on – your dog doesn’t. Don’t burn your dog’s paws by forcing them to walk on asphalt or concrete. Be a considerate pet owner and walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening during the heat wave.
- If you have to take your car someplace, NEVER leave children, the elderly, anyone immobile, or pets alone in cars. The temperature inside a parked car can double within minutes.
- Drink water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Take plenty of water with you, and then take some more.
- If you don’t have air conditioning and leaving the house isn’t an option, draw your blinds, use a fan, and take cool showers.
- If you really have to go out, wear a hat and sunscreen and take bottles of water with you.
- Check in on your elderly or immobile neighbors and family, especially those who live alone or those with a medical condition. Offer to go to the store for them or pick up prescriptions.
- Seriously, don’t forget your pets. Make sure they have plenty of cool water and don’t rely on fans to keep them cool – fans are less effective on pets than humans.
- Hold off on the hiking plans for now.
All libraries are open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.:Stay cool everyone.
