San Diego

Rip Currents Turn San Diego Beach Week Into High-Surf Hazard

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Published on June 24, 2026
Rip Currents Turn San Diego Beach Week Into High-Surf HazardSource: Oiskas at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Cloudy skies and mid 60s temperatures greeted San Diego this morning, with more sunshine expected this afternoon and a high near 74. The real story is in the water: a Beach Hazards Statement is in effect through tomorrow evening due to elevated south swells and strong rip currents, making swimming hazardous.

Surf And Rip Currents

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions, the National Weather Service warned in a Beach Hazards Statement that calls for 3 to 5 foot surf with sets to 6 feet on south-southwest facing beaches and a high rip current risk through Thursday evening. Local lifeguards are keeping a close watch on south-facing shores and urging extra caution near jetties and piers. For full details and the official advisory, see the NWS San Diego.

What To Expect Today

Low clouds are expected to lift by mid-morning, giving way to mostly sunny conditions this afternoon, with light west winds around 0 to 10 mph and highs in the low to mid-70s along the coast. There is still a slight chance of showers mainly over the mountains and deserts early in the day, but the coast is expected to stay dry.

Weekend Outlook And Winds

Onshore flow will strengthen late this week, bringing a cooling trend and a deeper marine layer by the weekend, which could push night- and morning-low clouds farther inland. Mountains and desert areas will see stronger afternoon gusts tomorrow through Saturday, while coastal highs trend a few degrees cooler by Sunday. According to NWS San Diego, expect thicker low clouds in the mornings through early Sunday.

Safety Tips

If you are heading to the beach, swim only at lifeguarded beaches, stay off rocks and jetties, and avoid entering the surf while the Beach Hazards Statement is in effect. If you get caught in a rip current, float and signal for help, and see safety guidance from San Diego Lifeguards.