San Diego Sizzles: Heat Advisory and Dangerous Rip Currents Slam Coast

San Diego is starting Wednesday, August 26, under clear skies and around 72 degrees, but the day is headed toward a much hotter finish. A Heat Advisory is in effect for coastal San Diego County through 8 p.m. Friday, while a separate Beach Hazards Statement warns of elevated surf and dangerous rip currents through Thursday evening.

Fog Gives Way To An 89-Degree Afternoon

Patchy fog may linger along the coast before 11 a.m., then skies should turn mostly sunny. The forecast calls for a high near 89, south winds from 0 to 10 mph, and essentially no chance of rain in the city.

Heat Stays Elevated Through Friday

Thursday should reach about 88 degrees, with another 89-degree afternoon Friday. The National Weather Service San Diego says beaches may remain in the mid-80s, while mesas and other higher coastal terrain could climb into the mid- to upper 90s; overnight lows will mostly stay in the 70s.

Beach Water Comes With Extra Risk

Surf is expected to run 3 to 5 feet, with sets up to 7 feet, especially along south- and southwest-facing beaches. Strong rip currents, minor coastal flooding and localized beach erosion are possible, with high tides peaking around 6.2 to 6.5 feet between 8 and 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.

Beachgoers should follow posted signs and flags, check with a lifeguard before entering the water, and avoid leaving children or pets in parked cars as temperatures rise. Anyone spending the afternoon outside should drink water, take breaks in shade or air conditioning, and reschedule strenuous activity if they start feeling overheated.

Weekend Finally Takes The Edge Off

Saturday remains warm and sunny after another round of morning fog, with a high near 88. The bigger shift arrives Sunday, when the high drops to about 82, followed by mostly sunny days near 81 on Monday and Tuesday.

Rain is not expected for San Diego through the weekend, though the broader region could see isolated mountain showers or thunderstorms Wednesday and Friday afternoon. Coastal mornings should turn less foggy after Saturday, while nights ease back toward the upper 60s to low 70s early next week.