San Diego woke to clear skies and temperatures near 57 degrees Wednesday, but the calm morning is the front edge of a sharp warm-up. Regional temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 80s to mid-90s as Santa Ana winds strengthen across the region. A Heat Advisory will run from Thursday morning through Saturday evening for San Diego County coastal areas.
Heat Builds Through Friday
Wednesday will be sunny, with north to northeasterly offshore flow; northeast winds may gust intermittently to 30 mph in the foothills through 16Z. According to the National Weather Service San Diego, Thursday and Friday will remain warm, with Saturday still sunny.
The advisory begins at 10 a.m. Thursday and continues until 8 p.m. Saturday. Residents should drink plenty of fluids, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, and check on older adults, neighbors and pets as heat-related illness risks rise.
Santa Ana Winds Add A Second Concern
The forecast discussion calls for Santa Ana winds to become stronger and more widespread Thursday and Friday. Gusts could reach 35 to 45 mph Thursday, 45 to 55 mph Friday and 35 to 45 mph Saturday, with the strongest winds expected inland and in the foothills but potentially reaching coastal San Diego County on Friday.
Those winds will make conditions feel drier and could complicate driving for high-profile vehicles, outdoor work and activities in exposed areas. The combination of heat and wind makes Friday the day to take the most seriously, even though the skies should remain mostly clear.
Beach Hazards Continue Through Thursday
Along the coast, a Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect through Thursday afternoon. The National Weather Service alert cites elevated high tides of 6.5 to 7 feet, surf of 3 to 5 feet with sets up to 6 feet, minor coastal flooding and beach erosion.
Beachgoers should watch for strong rip currents and avoid entering the water if conditions look rough, particularly inexperienced swimmers. Low-lying beach parking areas may also see minor tidal overflow through Thursday's high tide.
Cooler Weather Arrives Next Week
The change from the rain-focused setup reported earlier this week is temporary. Temperatures ease Sunday and Monday, followed by a cooler Tuesday with a chance of showers.
