Big Waves Hit Laguna Over Weekend, Hot Weather Forecast For OC

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Big waves struck Newport Beach's Wedge surf spot, as well as beaches up and down the coast of Orange County this weekend. Photographer Alan Gibby was out capturing footage of the show at the Wedge, where surfers and bodyboarders attempted to conquer the pounding waves.

A long-period south swell will bring elevated to high surf to the beaches through Monday morning, bringing swells from 5-7 feet, highest on south-facing beaches. Those elevated surf conditions could linger through Monday afternoon for Orange County’s south-facing beaches and bring with them strong rip currents creating hazardous swimming conditions.

Orange County residents woke to a scattering of rain Monday morning, as did much of the Southland. Highs for Monday were forecast in the lower to mid-60s. There's a possibility of rain and snow showers at elevations above 5-thousand to 6-thousand feet in the mountains. And in Los Angeles County, the National Weather Service predicted highs in the mid-50s to low 60s.

This week, residents can expect a warm-up of near-record proportions across the Southland, according to National Weather Service spokesman Alex Tardy.

"There is an elevated risk of heat illnesses for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those engaging in outdoor activities," Tardy said. High temperatures will rise to 10-15 degrees above normal Thursday and Friday, with high temperatures ranging from the 80’s t0 the low ’90s expected for inland Orange County.

The dry weather also brings locally elevated fire weather conditions Friday into Saturday for inland areas, as minimum relative humidity plummets to 10-15 percent in some Southland areas.

"Fire danger will be highest in the afternoon when minimum daytime humidities combine with the afternoon sea breeze," Tardy said.

Elevated surf was expected to return to the county Saturday, just in time for the weekend, along with those strong rip currents. Remember to always swim near a lifeguard.