The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazard warning for Imperial Beach, La Jolla Shores, Del Mar and Cardiff until at least noon Tuesday. Officials suggest avoiding low-lying places such as parking lots, where tides of around 6 feet could affect the area.
National Weather Service meteorologist Casey Oswant said two events are contributing to the conditions. One is an astronomical high tide, which happens every full moon and new moon. Sunday, Dec. 1, saw a new moon.
There’s also a storm out in the Pacific Ocean. Oswant said the swell is coming from the west, making western facing beaches the most vulnerable to flooding.
"The places that have the highest risk are the places that are going to see the highest surf, because that elevated surf is combining with a higher tide," she said.
La Jolla can expect a high tide close to 6 feet by 9:10 a.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.
King tides, which can reach nearly 7 feet, are expected from Dec. 13 to 15.
"We're going to have to see if that's going to coincide with any elevated surf," Oswant said. "If so, there's potential for additional coastal flooding."
Monday's San Diego surf forecast included a moderate-risk rip current, with surf height from 2 to 4 feet and a west swell from 280 degrees.
In Imperial Beach on Monday morning, the city's marine safety captain, Jason Lindquist, said a strong current was pushing people dangerously close to the pier.
"If you're not a strong ocean swimmer or surfer, it’s probably not the day to do it," he said. "Don't surf around the pier or a jetty if you're not familiar with them and the rip currents around them."
Forecasters expect patchy fog with localized visibility below 1 nautical mile Monday night into Tuesday morning. Otherwise, no hazardous marine weather conditions are expected through Thursday.
Coastal San Diego could see some patchy clouds in the morning through the week, accompanied by sunny conditions in the afternoon with light winds and highs in the mid-60s.
Dry conditions are expected for inland San Diego County starting Monday and throughout this week, with periods of high clouds and light winds picking up later in the week, forecasters said.
Valley areas can expect mostly clear conditions, with some clouds and light wind tapering off by mid-week and highs reaching the upper 70s to low 80s.
Mountains areas will see light winds until at least Tuesday, with sunny, clear conditions through the week and highs hitting the low 70s. Deserts areas should also see some light winds, accompanied by mild conditions and highs in the mid-70s to low 80s.
