Another hurricane is raging in the Southern Pacific and heading northward, but unlike Hurricane Hilary a few weeks ago, it is not expected to have the major weather impacts that caused concern and damage when the resulting tropical storm reached Southern California.
Hurricane Jova is staying away offshore and heading northwest, but there is still expected to be some remnants reaching Southern California in the form of big surf.
“With this, we’re looking at increasing southerly swell across south and southwest-facing beaches,” said Elizabeth Adams, meteorologist for the National Weather Service. “It won’t move over Southern California, it will stay over the ocean. It’s not going to come anywhere near us, it’s just going to be that swell energy.”
The swell should start showing Saturday and peak Sunday, with northern Orange County beaches getting the biggest surf in the 4- to 6-foot range, with some sets reaching 8 feet at south-facing beaches such as Newport Beach and Huntington Beach.
For Los Angeles County, areas such as Malibu, Zuma and parts of Palos Verdes could see waves reach 5 feet by Saturday, and maybe higher into the 7-foot range Sunday and into Monday, said Eric Boldte, meteorologist for the Los Angeles area NWS.
The hurricane’s wind is what creates swell energy, which will start to show by late Friday, Boldte explained.
He also warned of possible beach erosion or minor coastal flooding to sidewalks or parking lots during high tide.
The swell is good news for the surfers who have arrived in San Clemente for the Rip Curl World Surf League Finals, which kicks off its waiting period on Friday, Sept. 8, with organizers making a call each morning based on the best day for waves and wind.
But, the elevated surf and strong rip currents will create rough swimming conditions for inexperienced swimmers, said Adams, who offered a warning for beachgoers who might flock to the coast to cool down.
Areas of the Inland Empire could top 100 degrees and lower desert areas could get to 110 degrees. Inland areas will reach the upper 90s. Ventura and inland valley areas are also expected to hit triple digits.
“Anyone traveling to the coast to escape the heat, just be aware we are looking at high rip current risk and hazardous swim conditions,” Adams said. “Always swim near a lifeguard and know your swimming limits. And stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, because it is going to be very hot.”
There’s also a chance for thunderstorms in the mountain areas, Adams said.