A large high-pressure system will move into San Diego County late Wednesday, triggering several days of extreme heat that will coincide with potentially deadly rip currents along the coast, the National Weather Service says.
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Lifeguards are concerned because the ocean is 3 to 7 degrees warmer than normal, which will draw larger numbers of people into the water at a time when Hurricane Genevieve is sending big waves and strong rip currents to local beaches.
The swell is expected to produce waves in the 5- to 7-foot range Thursday and Friday , with periodic sets reaching 9 to 11 feet, the weather service said. The biggest surf will occur at beaches that face south and southwest.
Over the past week, two people were found dead in local waters, including a man who drowned after going swimming on Saturday evening near South Carlsbad State Beach, and a woman who was found in the water near La Jolla Shores Beach. Her cause of death remains pending. Last weekend, San Diego lifeguards made about 464 water rescues, mostly people who got caught in rip currents, officials said.
“San Diego Lifeguards will be fully staffed to inform and protect locals and visitors along our 17 miles of city coastline and Mission Bay,” San Diego Lifeguard Division Chief James Gartland said Tuesday.
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“If you’re headed to the beach, please check in with a lifeguard, keep a close eye on the little ones and exercise caution when entering the water.”
Officials also are concerned about the effect that high temperatures could have on the public’s health, especially east of Interstate 15 where an extreme heat warning will go into effect 10 a.m. Friday and last until 8 p.m. on Sunday.
The weather service said that daytime highs in Ramona are expected to reach 93 on Wednesday, 95 on Thursday, 98 on Friday, 101 on Saturday and 100 on Sunday. The Borrego Springs area is forecast to be 113 on Wednesday, 115 on Thursday, 120 on Friday and Saturday, and 119 on Sunday. The highest temperature on record at Borrego Springs is 122, which might be tied this weekend.
Temperatures will be cooler at the coast, but still far above normal. San Diego is expected to hit 79 on Wednesday, 80 on Thursday, 82 on Friday, 85 on Saturday, and 83 on Sunday. The seasonal high is 76.
