Marie may bring dangerous surf, humidity and showers to Southern California this Labor Day weekend

Tropical Storm Marie could strengthen into a hurricane and send 6- to 8-foot waves, dangerous rip currents, humidity and scattered showers to Southern California during Labor Day weekend.

Marie may bring dangerous surf, humidity and showers to Southern California this Labor Day weekend

Tropical Storm Marie is strengthening off the coast of Baja California and could become a hurricane before moving northwest. Although the storm is not expected to make landfall in Southern California, its broad tropical-storm-force wind field may send hazardous surf, powerful rip currents, humidity and scattered rain toward the region during Labor Day weekend.

Key takeaways

The storm’s primary threat to Southern California is expected to come from the ocean and its associated moisture, rather than a direct landfall.

  • Marie could reach hurricane strength late Wednesday.
  • Waves along the San Diego coast may reach 6 to 7 feet, with sets up to 8 feet, by Friday.
  • Dangerous rip currents and high surf are possible through the holiday weekend.
  • Humidity and scattered showers may arrive Saturday evening into Sunday.
  • No watches or warnings are currently posted for the Southern California coast.

Swell expected to build before the holiday weekend

Forecast swells from Marie are expected to affect parts of southwest Mexico and the Baja California Peninsula before reaching Southern California. The San Diego coastline could see 6- to 7-foot waves, with occasional waves as high as 8 feet, beginning Friday.

The combination of elevated surf and strong rip currents could create life-threatening conditions for swimmers, surfers and anyone near jetties, rocks or exposed beaches. Recent hurricane-driven swells have already contributed to severe beach erosion in parts of Southern California, including Tamarack Beach in northern San Diego County.

No direct landfall is expected

Marie is forecast to continue moving northwest and strengthen as it approaches the broader West Coast region. The National Hurricane Center does not expect the storm to make landfall in Southern California, and no coastal watches or warnings are currently in effect.

Even without a direct hit, tropical-storm-force winds extending hundreds of miles from the center can generate large swells and hazardous offshore conditions. Beachgoers should monitor updated forecasts and follow warnings from local authorities before entering the water.

Moisture could bring muggy weather and showers

Marie’s moisture plume may spread into Southern California during the holiday weekend. San Diego County could experience muggy conditions and light, scattered showers from Saturday evening into Sunday, with some showers possible in desert areas as well.

Rainfall amounts and coverage may vary, and the storm’s exact track will determine how much moisture reaches the region. Forecasters will continue refining the timing and intensity as Marie moves northwest.

Elevated fire concerns will precede the storm’s arrival

Before the tropical moisture arrives, west-southwesterly winds are expected to increase across San Diego County each afternoon through Wednesday. Drier conditions in inland valleys, mountains and deserts could combine with the stronger winds to elevate fire-weather concerns.

Residents in affected areas should remain alert to local fire-weather guidance, secure loose outdoor items and avoid activities that could spark a wildfire during the windy period.