Cloudy skies and cool air have San Diego on the mellow side today, with highs topping out near 69°F and a deepening marine layer keeping the coast noticeably cooler than inland neighborhoods. Offshore, though, things are anything but mellow. A building northwest swell is gearing up to make west-facing beaches especially hazardous from tonight through next Monday morning, while forecasters say gusty winds will be the other big story, particularly over nearby mountains and deserts.
Beach And Marine Hazards
The National Weather Service has issued a Beach Hazards Statement for San Diego County from this evening through next Monday morning, warning that a northwest swell will bring 4 to 6 foot surf with local sets up to 7 feet and high tides near 6.5 to 7 feet that could trigger minor tidal overflow in beach parking lots and along boardwalks, according to NWS San Diego. The most punishing waves will hit west- and northwest-facing beaches, and lifeguards are urging people to stay off jetties and out of the water during the roughest periods. Out in the outer coastal waters, seas are forecast around 7 to 10 feet with a 9 to 12 second period, prompting a Small Craft Advisory from late Saturday into early Sunday.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Along the coast and in the valleys, south winds will run on the lighter side to moderate, generally 5 to 15 mph, with occasional gusts in the 20 to 30 mph range this afternoon and evening. Inland, the story ramps up. Mountain slopes, desert passes and some inland valleys are expecting much stronger gusts, with sustained and frequent gusts of 40 to 50 mph possible, and isolated pockets briefly pushing into the mid 60s. Those stronger gusts could kick up blowing dust in desert areas and make driving tricky for high-profile vehicles through mountain passes.
Boaters, Commuters And Beachgoers
Small boats are advised to give the outer coastal waters a pass tonight, with the Small Craft Advisory window running from about 3 PM today into early tomorrow morning. If your plans take you to the shore, move vehicles out of low-lying beach lots before high tide and allow extra time on coastal routes where the thick marine layer may cut visibility.
Temperatures should hold in the upper 60s tomorrow before nudging up a few degrees early next week, with the overall pattern staying dry. Anyone heading for the water or planning travel should check the latest updates from local officials and NWS San Diego before locking in their plans.
