The National Weather Service (NWS) has advised people to avoid drinking alcohol due to the extreme heat in San Diego.

This comes as extreme heat warnings have been issued for several regions in Southern California, Arizona and Nevada, effective from 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 4, until 8 p.m. on Friday, September 6. The affected regions include Orange County, Inland Empire, Coachella Valley and San Diego County, as well as several mountain ranges.

The NWS said extreme heat increases the risk of heat-related illness and warned people to take precautions such as “drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air-conditioned room, staying out of the sun, and staying in touch with family members and neighbors.”

The Coachella Valley and the deserts of San Diego County are among the areas hardest hit, with temperatures reaching 113 to 118 degrees Fahrenheit, while nighttime lows only drop to 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

In the San Bernardino County Valley, the Riverside County Valleys, and parts of the Inland Empire, temperatures can range from 102 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit.

The NWS has advised against drinking alcohol during periods of extreme heat, saying, “Alcohol can dehydrate the body and impair its ability to regulate temperature, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.”

“It is advisable to avoid alcoholic beverages and instead drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic hydrating fluids. This will help your body stay well hydrated and better cope with the intense heat.”

The heat wave is also expected to hit urban areas such as Las Vegas and Phoenix, where temperatures could reach 47 degrees Celsius.

This extreme heat is expected to increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for vulnerable populations.

The NWS advises residents to avoid sun exposure and to check on neighbors and family members. The warnings also emphasize 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 people who work outdoors take regular breaks in a shaded or air-conditioned environment to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Public cooling centres are available in many areas and residents are encouraged to use these facilities if necessary. The heat warnings may be extended beyond Friday depending on the continued high temperatures.

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

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