What is happening on Southern California beaches right now. Official notices come from the National Weather Service, county health departments, ocean observing programs, and our own data. Community posts come from divers and swimmers who were standing there.
The National Weather Service says inner coastal waters have held in the mid 70s F since late October, about 12 F above the November average. Daily warm-water records at Scripps Pier are being broken by 5 F or more.
Governor Newsom proclaimed a statewide state of emergency on September 21 to prepare California for an El Niño that NOAA gives better than a 90 percent chance of becoming very strong and a 75 percent chance of being the strongest on record since 1950. State officials are preparing for repeated rounds of heavy rain, flooding, coastal flooding, large surf, debris flows, and power outages through the winter. A pulse of warm water is due to lift sea level on the Southern California coast by 6 to 12 inches by October, and the eastern Pacific hurricane season is forecast well above average, which means more south swell arriving on top of already high water. Officials are asking Californians to prepare their homes and families now: keep emergency supplies and water on hand, sign up for local emergency alerts, know the evacuation route from home, and follow the direction of emergency officials once storms arrive. The proclamation directs all residents to obey emergency officials during this emergency. Nautical News has the full story, including when the sea level rise reaches each city and what the 1997 to 1998 winter looked like.
Coastal Flood Advisory from the National Weather Service, in effect for Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego, and Ventura County until Saturday 4:00 PM. From 7 AM to 4 PM PST Saturday. Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only isolated road closures expected.
High Surf Advisory from the National Weather Service, in effect for Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura County until Tuesday 3:00 PM. Large breaking waves of 5 to 8 feet today, increasing to 8 to 12 feet Saturday. Surf heights are expected to decrease to 5 to 9 feet Sunday through Tuesday. Dangerous rip currents expected.
Tropical Storm Rachel damage has closed part of the North Ponto parking lot and a restroom at South Carlsbad State Beach. No reopening date is set. State Parks suggests visiting near low tide, when more sand separates the bluffs from the waves.
San Diego County health officials have posted a bacteria advisory at San Onofre State Beach, USMC Camp Pendleton, Harbor Beach, and 36 more beaches, where bacteria levels in the water are higher than normal. Counties post an advisory when water samples test above state health standards, or when runoff is likely to push them there. Swimming, surfing, or diving there raises the risk of getting sick, and the advisory stays in place until the county lifts it.
San Diego County health officials have closed the ocean water at Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge and Border Field State Park to swimming, surfing, and diving. Counties close the water when sewage or another immediate health hazard reaches it, which is a stronger step than a bacteria advisory. The closure stays in place until the county lifts it.
Coastal water about 12 F warmer than normal for NovemberHeads-up · San Diego · Orange County · Until Nov 20, 11:59 PMHumpback whales seen daily off San Diego and Orange CountyHeads-up · San Diego · Orange County · Until Nov 30, 11:59 PMDead seabirds washing up on San Diego beachesHeads-up · San Diego · Until Nov 15, 11:59 PM
Sea turtles at the Marine Room and La Jolla this monthGood news · San Diego · Until Nov 30, 11:59 PM
Octopus sightings at La Jolla Shores this monthGood news · San Diego · Until Nov 30, 11:59 PM
