Buck the trend of a brief, peaceful Christmas respite of calm seas, towering waves, and stormy seas return to California’s coastline. A high-surf advisory, issued by the National Weather Service, forecasts waves at 30 feet or higher to begin crashing ashore in Northern California from Thursday to Sunday. Swimmers and boaters are advised to steer clear of dangerous surf.
The Bay Area will be dealing with rain and patchy fog throughout the weekend with highs in the low 60s. Meteorologists say heavy rain may lead to the chance of local creeks and urban areas flooding. Rough seas earlier this week destroyed the outer portion of Santa Cruz Wharf on Wednesday, sending three people into the turbulent waters; they were later rescued. One man lost his life on the water in Monterey Bay during a separate incident.
These extreme wave conditions, though rare, correlate with the winter season when California’s surf is at its peak. “This level of swell isn’t typical but also not unusual for this time of year,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Brayden Murdock.
Elsewhere, Southern California is seeing lighter conditions — swells from 5 to 15 feet along the coasts of Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties. Highs across the region will reach the upper 60s, with no chance of rain. Gusty winds, however, will potentially make driving hazardous in places, especially in the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys.
Blustery weather is ratcheting up the wildfire concern for Southern California. The region remains abnormally dry, and so far Los Angeles has only seen 0.16 inches of rain this season, with the average by this time being 4 inches. Gusts as high as 60 mph and Santa Ana winds are forecast for next week, funneling hot, dry air through mountain passes.
Meteorologists are warning the highest threat for fires will be between Monday and Thursday, with conditions that could fuel fast-moving wildfires like the recent Franklin fire. Earlier this month, the blaze burned more than 4,000 acres in Malibu, fueled by strong winds, destroying several structures and threatening Pepperdine University.
With additional winter storms heading to California, residents are warned to stay alert for flooding, dangerous surf, and heightened fire risks over the next couple of weeks.
