San Diego is starting Monday with clear skies and temperatures in the upper 50s, but the week is about to turn noticeably warmer. The city should reach about 73 degrees this afternoon under sunny skies, while coastal visitors face elevated surf and dangerous rip currents through the evening.
Beach Hazards Continue Through Monday Evening
According to the National Weather Service, a Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect for San Diego County coastal areas through 6 p.m. Monday. Surf is expected to run 3 to 6 feet, and an afternoon high tide just over 6 feet could cause minor tidal overflow around 3:30 p.m., as reported by the National Weather Service.
The National Weather Service advised people to remain out of the water because of hazardous swimming conditions. The elevated surf and tide combination may also affect low-lying portions of the coast, so beachgoers should keep an eye on the waterline.
Sunny Days Give Way To Weekend Warmth
Tuesday will stay sunny with a high near 74 degrees, although north winds could gust up to 20 mph. Wednesday should be mostly sunny and mild, with coastal clouds and somewhat breezier conditions possible as the week progresses.
Temperatures climb Thursday and Friday, reaching about 75 and 79 degrees, respectively. The warmest stretch arrives this weekend, with Saturday forecast near 83 degrees and Sunday around 82, along with mostly clear to mostly sunny skies.
Cool Nights, Limited Rain Chances
Overnight lows will generally remain in the upper 50s to lower 60s, making for comfortable evenings after the sunny afternoons. Rain chances are essentially absent after the slight shower possibility that passed overnight Monday.
Longer-Term Context on Heat and Rip Currents
The County of San Diego's 2024 Annual Excessive Heat Report says the combined number of National Weather Service Excessive Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories generally increased from 2013 through 2024. That broader trend does not establish that this weekend's forecast is exceptional. The City of San Diego Lifeguard Services says the United States Lifesaving Association found that more than 80% of rescues performed by ocean lifeguards involve people caught in rip currents. That rescue statistic does not answer how many rip-current fatalities San Diego County has recorded in recent years.
Heat trends and local cooling options
The County of San Diego's 2024 Annual Excessive Heat Report says the combined number of National Weather Service Excessive Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories generally increased from 2013 through 2024. The report also says the county launched its Cool Zones program with older adults, people with disabilities and people with health conditions in mind because of their increased heat-illness risk. The County of San Diego offers free, air-conditioned Cool Zones for people seeking relief during hot weather. This broader warning trend does not establish that this weekend's forecast is exceptional.
Forecasters are also watching the possibility of stronger offshore winds this weekend, though that part of the forecast remains lower confidence, the National Weather Service reported. For now, the main takeaways are simple: sunny skies, a gradual warm-up and extra caution at the beach Monday.
