San Diego, California – Beachgoers in Southern California are being urged to stay out of the water this holiday weekend as strong rip currents and 7-foot waves create hazardous swimming conditions along San Diego and Orange County beaches.
According to the National Weather Service in San Diego, a Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect through Sunday evening due to elevated surf between 4 to 6 feet, with occasional sets reaching 7 feet on south-facing beaches. The risk is driven by a southerly swell approaching at 190 degrees, with wave intervals of 15 to 17 seconds.
Officials warn that the powerful rip currents could quickly pull swimmers away from shore, especially at popular spots like Mission Beach, La Jolla Shores, and Huntington Beach. Lifeguards are urging the public to avoid entering the ocean until conditions improve. Swell energy is expected to decrease by early Sunday, but impacts may linger into the evening.
Sunny skies and daytime highs in the mid-70s are expected to draw large crowds to the coast. Anyone heading to the beach should watch for posted warnings, stay in designated areas, and never swim alone.
Hazardous beach conditions will ease Sunday night, but similar alerts may be issued later this summer as swell patterns shift.
📆 5-Day Forecast for San Diego, CA
- Saturday: Partly cloudy, high near 76°F, light northwest winds
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 75°F, continued elevated surf
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 75°F
- Tuesday: Sunny, high near 78°F
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 78°F
