Overview

After a mostly slow and windy week of waves, a slightly better outlook is expected for this week’s forecast. We have Southern Hemi, NW windswell, and a small tropical swell all on the way to SoCal. The biggest swell this week will be the Southern Hemi which will show best size on August 3rd and 4th. During the same time, we’ll see the small tropical swell from Hurricane Hilda mixing in. This tropical swell shouldn’t add any additional size, but it will help with consistency and shape for some select south-facing breaks.

On the 4th and into the 5th, the tropical swell may even show size as big as the southern hemi (3-5 feet) at those very select south facing breaks. The NW windswell will show later in the work week, and will help out with the shape at the beach breaks. Overall, there are some fun peaky days of surf on the way to SoCal. 

Our local water temperatures took quite a dip (mostly low 60s now) after a blow through of west winds last week, but this week’s local winds and conditions finally look to improve. Most mornings throughout the week will be manageable with calm to light onshore winds. During the work week mornings will have light winds, followed by a quick clearing of marine layer.

Towards the weekend, onshore flow may increase from the south at the coast along with a deeper marine layer due to an approaching trough from the northwest.

Best Bets

– Target the first 3 days of the forecast for the biggest and best surf. 

– Mornings will have the best window with the tide push and light winds.

Day to Day Breakdown

Tuesday the 3rd: 3-5 feet 

Looking like a fun day of surf. Southern hemi tops out, while steep tropical swell from Hilda mixes in. The morning is the best call with light winds, before an afternoon sea breeze picks up from the west. 

Wednesday the 4th: 3-5 feet 

Pretty much a repeat of Tuesday in terms of size. Southern hemi sticks around and tropical swell shows a bit more energy. There will also be just a tad of NW windswell showing. The morning will be the best window again as calm conditions are expected, followed by a typical westerly sea breeze. 

Thursday the 5th: 3-4+ feet 

The mix of swells slowly eases, but maintaining fun surf. It should actually be more peaky than the past two days in the forecast due to a bit less south, and a new pulse of localized NW windswell. Morning winds still look pretty favorable, with a slight chance of a very light onshore wind on it.

Friday the 6th: 3-4 feet 

The easing trend continues. Primary swell will be the southern hemi, while some NW windswell continues to mix in. Tropical swell falls off quickly through the day, and by then is hardly noticeable. Morning winds are trending slightly more unfavorable, as south wind and marine layer are looking likely. That being said, the winds don’t look strong enough to skip a surf, and the afternoon may even stay on the lighter side too. 

Saturday the 7th: 2-3 feet 

Smallest day of surf for this week’s forecast, as swell mix bottoms out. There’s still a small combo of leftover south swell and NW windswell, but it will be pretty minimal. There may be more south wind on it in the morning, but weather models haven’t come to a full agreement yet. 

Sunday the 8th: 3-4 feet 

Slightly bigger than Saturday as a new small southern hemi builds in and becomes the primary swell in the water. Winds are looking similar to Saturday, with the chance of a light south wind on it early. 

Monday the 9th: 3-4 feet 

South swell hangs in there, showing as the only swell in the water. Winds could trend more favorable, but it’s too early for specifics.

– Jax Richards @jax6street

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