Big waves and strong rip currents will continue to affect the San Diego County coastline Friday, but they are expected to die down this weekend as sweltering heat grips Southern California.
An extended National Weather Service beach hazards statement is set to expire this evening. Forecasters said the 3- to 5-foot waves with sets to 7 feet and the strength of the rip currents would subside this weekend.
Swimmers caught in a rip current can escape by swimming parallel to the coast before heading back to shore.
The waves are expected to lower as a heat wave hits this weekend and sends high temperatures up into potentially record-breaking territory. A National Weather Service excessive heat warning for inland areas is set to run from 11 a.m. Sunday until 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Forecasters said Monday — the first day of summer — will likely be the hottest day.
High temperatures are predicted to range from 90 to 96 degrees at mountain resort level to 95 to 105 degrees in the valleys to 100 to 105 degrees on lower mountain slopes to 110 to 120 degrees in the deserts.
"High temperatures will warm to near average today, to 4 to 8 degrees above average Saturday, 12 to 18 degrees above average on Sunday, and 15 to 20 degrees above average on Monday," according to the weather service. "This could push the hottest high temperatures on Monday to around 120 in the lower deserts, 112 in the upper deserts and near 110 in the inland valleys."
Overnight lows will only fall to around 65 to 70 degrees in the mountains and 80 to 90 degrees in the deserts.
Forecasters advised the public to avoid potentially serious heat-related ailments by staying well-hydrated, avoiding unnecessary outdoor labor and checking on neighbors and relatives — especially those with health conditions and who lack air conditioning.
Authorities also warned against leaving children or pets in parked cars, which can quickly become death traps in high heat.
The heat wave is expected to break toward the middle of next week, but forecasters said it could still remain hot in the deserts and on the lower mountain slopes.
