Cool Temperatures, High Surf and Sneaker Waves Expected

Powerful winds buffeted the Southland amid abnormally low temperatures today as high surf pounded the coast, as it did most of last week.

But sunny weather will prevail. The rain that began Sunday was largely over, said National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew Rorque.

A cold air mass will keep today’s temperatures around 10 degrees below normal, Rorque said, noting that temperatures will barely reach the 60s.

Strong northwest winds, meanwhile, swept the region.

Forecasters warned that the wind would make driving difficult, especially for the operators of high-profile vehicles.

Along the coast, a northwest swell has been increasing, resulting in continued high surf, creating powerful rip currents and possibly causing some minor coastal flooding, the NWS reported. A high surf advisory is expected to be in force until 4 p.m. Surf of between 5 and 8 feet was expected, with sets of 10 feet possible.

“Large waves and strong rip currents will increase the risk of ocean drowning. Sneaker waves can suddenly wash people off of beaches and rock jetties,” an NWS statement said.

“Surf will be highest on exposed west-facing shores.”

Forecasters said swimmers caught in rip currents should swim parallel to shore until free of the currents.

The NWS forecast sunny weather today and highs of 58 in Mission Viejo; 60 in Avalon, San Clemente, Yorba Linda, Irvine and Laguna Beach; 62 in Long Beach, Newport Beach and Fullerton; and 63 in Anaheim. Tuesday’s temperatures will be a few degrees higher, also under sunny skies.

City News Service