San Diego

Windy Wake-Up Sets Stage For Sun-Soaked San Diego Weekend

AI Assisted Icon
Published on February 20, 2026
Windy Wake-Up Sets Stage For Sun-Soaked San Diego WeekendSource: AndyrooP, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

After a gusty wake-up, San Diego is starting today on a clear and cool note, with San Diego International Airport (KSAN) reporting clear skies and about 54°F early in the morning. The big local concern is still the ocean, where high surf remains the main hazard under a High Surf Advisory that runs through 10 PM today, and lifeguards are warning people to stay out of the water. Beyond the rough surf, the rest of the weekend is on track to stay dry and turn warmer, with inland highs climbing into the upper 60s and low 70s.

Afternoon Winds And Marine Hazards

Along the coast this afternoon, northwest winds are expected to hover near 10 mph with gusts up to about 20 mph, while the stronger overnight gusts of 40 to 50 mph that hit mountain slopes and desert passes are easing off. Boaters and small-craft operators should be ready for choppy seas and hazardous conditions into mid-morning, with a Small Craft Advisory for coastal waters in effect through the morning hours. For the latest hazard details and marine forecasts, see NWS San Diego.

High Surf And Beach Safety

The High Surf Advisory calls for surf generally in the 3 to 6 foot range, with occasional sets up to 7 feet at west-facing beaches, creating strong rip currents and pockets of localized beach erosion. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water, officials note, and San Diego Lifeguard Services is urging visitors to obey posted flags, avoid jetties and rocks, and keep a safe distance from the waterline. If you are just heading out to watch the swell, stay well back from the edge, since sneaker waves can roll in with little or no warning.

Weekend Outlook

High pressure builds into the weekend and helps bump temperatures up, with highs near the upper 60s (around 67°F) tomorrow and into the low 70s on Sunday and Monday. Skies should be mostly sunny, with light offshore breezes on Saturday and lighter winds overall through early next week, making midday the warmest and most comfortable window for outdoor plans. Even with the warmer afternoons, evenings will still be on the cool side, so keep a jacket handy and check official updates if you are planning a beach visit tonight.