High Surf Advisory Issued for Orange and San Diego Counties

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Dramatic waves crash on the shoreline, warning beachgoers of dangerous conditions.

News Summary

A high surf advisory has been issued for Orange County and San Diego County, warning beachgoers of dangerous conditions with waves reaching 4-9 feet. The advisory, effective until 10 p.m. today, is accompanied by strong rip currents, making swimming hazardous. While coastal areas experienced light rain over the weekend, forecasts indicate potential for mid-week storms. A winter weather advisory is also active for mountainous regions, anticipating snowfall. Residents are advised to stay safe and avoid the water until conditions improve.

Heads Up, Orange County and San Diego County: High Surf Advisory Alert!

If you’re in Orange County or San Diego County, you might want to put your beach plans on hold for a little while. The National Weather Service has issued an updated high surf advisory that went into effect on Monday at 1:01 p.m. and is set to last until 10 p.m. tonight. If you’re thinking about catching some waves or a bit of fun in the water, listen up!

What to Expect?

Brace yourself for some powerful surf because large breaking waves are expected to roll in at heights of a staggering 4 to 8 feet. And if you’re in southern San Diego County, you might even see some isolated sets that could hit the 9-foot mark! Sounds intense, right? The good news is that conditions are predicted to settle down later this evening and into Tuesday.

Beachgoer Safety Warning

But don’t let that excitement lure you into the water just yet. The conditions are going to be treacherous, with strong rip currents making swimming hazardous — especially for those who aren’t experienced. The NWS is sending out a clear message: it’s safer to avoid the water until conditions improve. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Weather Recap: A Wet and Wild Weekend

Over the weekend, San Diego endured a splash of wet weather, accompanied by some snow up in the mountains and hail near the coast. The first low-pressure system gave us a bit of light drizzle, while a second, more potent system rolled through overnight, bringing a heavier downpour.

Inland areas were the real winners in rainfall, while coastal spots didn’t see much accumulation — usually under a tenth of an inch. Plus, gusty winds added to the mix, creating those high surf conditions. Mountain regions didn’t miss out, with several inches of snow falling in higher elevations, while the lower areas just got a light dusting.

Winter Weather Advisory in Effect

Speaking of snow, a Winter Weather Advisory is currently in place for mountain regions, predicting accumulations of around two to three inches for places like Mt. Laguna and an inch for Palomar Mountain and Julian. Drivers should take extra care on slick roads — a word of caution especially for those traveling through Julian and Pine Valley along Interstate 8.

To keep everyone safe, schools in the Mountain Empire Unified district have decided to operate on a late start today. It’s all about making sure everyone gets to school safely!

What’s Next in the Forecast?

Looking ahead, we might see some more light rain across the county on Monday, but the real excitement comes mid-week with the potential for showers and thunderstorms. Weather forecasts indicate a trend toward heavier rainfall projected from Wednesday through to Friday, with another chance of rain early next week.

As for temperatures, expect daytime highs to hover in the low 60s for coastal and valley areas, while mountain temperatures will be in the chillier mid-40s. And we can’t forget to mention the small craft advisory that’s currently in effect until at least 2 a.m. on Tuesday. If you’re thinking of setting sail, think again — boaters should be aware of hazardous conditions out there!

Windy Conditions and Cautions

Additionally, a wind advisory will remain in effect in some areas until at least 10 p.m.. Monday. The forecast calls for stronger westerly winds and higher seas to return on Wednesday night and last through Friday morning. It seems like Mother Nature is keeping us on our toes!

Fingers crossed that Tuesday treats us a little kinder with drier and slightly warmer conditions than what we’ve been experiencing. So, hang tight, everyone! Stay safe, and remember the beach will always be there for sunny days.