Warmer Temps and South Swells | Socal Forecast 8.11.21 - 8.16.21

Overview

A nice warm summer’s week is in store for this week’s forecast. Unlike last week’s peaky mix of swells, this week is expected to be a bit more lined up, but still fun. We’ll see some small southern hemi throughout the week, as well as a small shot of steep SSE swell from Tropical Storm Kevin on the 12th to the 14th.

Late in the day Sunday the 15th, and through the day Monday the 16th, we should see SSE swell from Hurricane Linda build in, showing a bit more size than TS Kevin did. There won’t be much NW swell mixing in through the week, so those southerly focal points with some structure will have the best surf.

Our local water temperatures are back on the rise (right now in the mid to upper 60s), and will continue to trend upward throughout the forecast as warmer outside temperatures and lighter onshore winds are forecasted.

Temperatures will be warmest during the weekend, as a strong ridge of high pressure builds over the Western US, bringing some of the warmest weather for the coasts so far this summer (high 70s & possibly low 80s). Conditions wise, the mornings will be glassy with little to no wind. The afternoons don’t look too strong, especially later in the workweek and into the weekend.

Best Bets

Target the southerly focal points that can handle the steep SSE energy.
Mornings will have the best conditions, with afternoons in play later in the week.
Enjoy the warm weather and summer conditions!

Day to Day Breakdown

Tuesday the 10th: 2-3 feet

Smallest and worst day of surf in the forecast. Just some small south swell showing as the only swell in the water. Morning winds will be light, with a minor texture. The afternoon will have a typical westerly seabreeze with sunny skies.

Wednesday the 11th: 2-3 feet

Pretty similar size as Tuesday, but morning winds look a bit better. The afternoon will see a sea breeze from the west as well.

Thursday the 12th: 3-4 feet

The dominant swell for most south facing breaks becomes the steep angled SSE swell from TS Kevin. Although it won’t be showing too much size, some of those summer spots will still see fun surf. Morning winds look calm with glassy conditions, and the afternoon winds look a few knots lighter than the past few days.

Friday the 13th: 3-4 feet

Swell from TS Kevin holds to slightly eases. Size shows best in the morning. There will also be some small southern hemi in the background which will help out with size. The morning looks like it may start off with a light south wind on it, but still pretty manageable. The afternoon may stay light enough for a surf too.

Saturday the 14th: 2-3 feet

Not much tropical swell left from Kevin, but the southern hemi still mixes in. Morning winds look similar to Friday, with a light south wind on it. Afternoon winds aren’t looking too bad either.

Sunday the 15th: 3-4 feet (smaller early)

Size bottoms out early, until a new tropical swell starts to show later in the day from Linda. This initial energy will be very steep (~160°), so only select south facing breaks will get this energy. The afternoon is worth a look, but it all depends on what Linda does throughout the week.

Monday the 16th: 3-4+ feet

SSE tropical from Linda builds to a peak. Select south facing breaks could see larger sets, but areas that don’t see the southerly energy will be significantly smaller. Also, possible slight increase in NW windswell. Will be a fun day of surf if the winds cooperate.

– Jax Richards @jax6street