San Diego, CA – Beachgoers in Southern California face dangerous conditions as powerful swells bring hazardous rip currents and breaking waves through Tuesday evening. Swimmers, surfers, and boaters should remain out of the water, with officials warning that strong currents may sweep people off their feet or pull them into the open ocean.
According to the National Weather Service in San Diego, elevated surf of 4 to 7 feet, with sets up to 8 feet, is expected along south- and southwest-facing beaches from Sunday morning through late Tuesday. The surf is driven by a southwest swell near 200 degrees, peaking Monday before easing midweek.
The risk extends across San Diego County and into Orange County, where popular beaches near Mission Beach, La Jolla, and Huntington Beach could see the strongest impacts. Waves could wash over jetties and rocks, while small boats nearshore risk capsizing. Travelers along the I-5 corridor should expect crowded conditions at inland attractions as ocean access becomes unsafe.
Officials urge residents and visitors to avoid entering the water until conditions ease. Rip currents can overpower even strong swimmers, while high surf may knock down unsuspecting beachgoers. The hazards are expected to gradually diminish late Tuesday, with calmer seas returning by midweek.
October’s arrival brings another shift: patchy fog will increase along the coast starting Wednesday morning, giving way to warmer, sunnier afternoons as fall begins to settle in.
Five-Day Forecast for San Diego, CA
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high near 73.
- Sunday: Cloudy, high near 75, with dangerous surf conditions.
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, high near 75, rip currents remain strong.
- Tuesday: Gradual clearing, high near 75, surf begins to ease.
- Wednesday: Patchy fog early, then sunny, high near 77 as October begins.
