LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Southern California’s Labor Day weekend could look noticeably different as Hurricane Marie sends moisture and a powerful swell toward the coast, even though the storm itself is expected to remain hundreds of miles offshore.
Forecasters say the center of Hurricane Marie will never come especially close to California, with the storm’s core expected to remain roughly 800 miles from Los Angeles.
That distance means residents do not necessarily need to cancel their holiday plans. However, people heading to the beaches should be prepared for changing conditions, including stronger surf, rip currents, higher tides and a return of muggy weather.
The biggest concerns are expected along the coastline, where thousands of people could gather for the long Labor Day weekend.
Strong South Swell Could Make Beaches Dangerous
One of the most noticeable effects from Marie could be a 6- to 8-foot south swell reaching Southern California beaches.
The larger swell is expected to produce stronger surf and an increased risk of rip currents. That could create hazardous swimming conditions, particularly for inexperienced swimmers and anyone entering the water at beaches without lifeguard supervision.
Rose Schoenfeld, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard, urged beachgoers to take extra precautions.
“If you are planning a beach trip, to swim where there’s a lifeguard and be aware of rip currents,” Schoenfeld said.
The warning is especially important because the Labor Day holiday traditionally brings large crowds to Southern California beaches.
Even people who are comfortable swimming in typical ocean conditions may encounter stronger currents during the holiday weekend.
High Tides Raise Coastal Flooding Concerns
The large south swell will also arrive as tides become higher along the Southern California coast.
According to the National Weather Service, higher tides begin Saturday, with the highest tides expected Monday and Tuesday. Some tides could reach more than 7 feet.
The combination of elevated tides and the incoming swell could increase the potential for coastal flooding in vulnerable low-lying locations.
Forecasters specifically identified areas including Avalon, the Alamitos Peninsula in Long Beach, Malibu and Point Mugu as places that could experience an increasing chance of moderate coastal flooding.
Residents and visitors near the shoreline should pay attention to local advisories, particularly during periods when large waves coincide with high tide.
Muggy Weather Returns to California
Southern California could also get another taste of the muggy weather experienced late last month.
Humidity levels are expected to range between 35% and 50% during the weekend, while temperatures along the coast could climb into the mid-80s.
Although those temperatures are not expected to be extreme, increased humidity can make the air feel warmer and less comfortable, particularly during outdoor gatherings.
The combination of warmth and moisture could also contribute to the chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Rain and Thunderstorms Possible by Sunday
Rain could enter the forecast as early as Sunday, with the possibility of light precipitation across parts of the region.
Forecasters are currently expecting rainfall totals of up to a quarter of an inch, while the chance of thunderstorms is estimated at between 5% and 10%.
That means widespread severe weather is not necessarily expected, but people planning outdoor celebrations should still keep an eye on changing forecasts.
The potential for rain is another reason residents organizing Labor Day events may want to have a backup plan available.
Officials Say Weekend Plans May Not Need to Change
Despite the unusual combination of tropical moisture, stronger surf and higher tides, officials emphasize that Hurricane Marie itself is not approaching the California coast.
The storm’s distance means most people will not need to completely change their Labor Day plans. However, beachgoers should take the ocean conditions seriously.
“If you’re planning an outdoor event and your tolerance for rain is very low,” Schoenfeld said, “we’d encourage people to look into alternate plans.”
For those heading to the coast, checking local beach conditions, staying near lifeguards and avoiding dangerous rip currents could be more important than usual.
With the holiday weekend expected to draw large crowds, officials are urging visitors to enjoy the coast while remaining aware that Hurricane Marie can influence Southern California weather even from far offshore.
Are you planning a Labor Day beach trip in Southern California? Will Hurricane Marie’s forecast change your plans? Share your thoughts in the comments.
