Mild weather Friday will give way to higher temperatures throughout San Diego County over the weekend, along with elevated surf and strong rip currents near the beaches.
National Weather Service forecasters said an upper-level trough of low pressure responsible for the mild conditions and deep marine layer would weaken this weekend, which will allow things to heat up and some of the cloud cover to clear.
Additionally, a long-period south swell stemming from a storm off the coast of New Zealand is expected to move into Southern California's coastal waters starting Saturday afternoon, bringing with it elevated surf and powerful rip currents. A beach hazards statement is scheduled to take effect Saturday morning and extend through Tuesday evening.
"If you're heading to the beach over the holiday weekend, use caution if you decide to enter the nice warm water," according to the weather service. "Increasing surf and strong rip currents are expected."
Waves and surf building to 4 to 6 feet with locally higher sets are expected at south facing beaches. Forecasters said the surf would reach its peak Sunday, but would stay elevated through Tuesday.
The NWS warned that strong, frequent rip and longshore currents would create dangerous swimming conditions.
Rip currents are typically stronger and more frequent around jetties, inlets and piers. Forecasters said swimmers should know how to escape a rip current by swimming parallel to the coast before heading back to shore.
