It’s Warm and It’s Going to Get Warmer

Although crowds were light at Orange County beaches Thursday because of high winds and hazy conditions, the weather is expected to be slightly better for the weekend with temperatures reaching a new high for the month.

The National Weather Service reported that fog and low clouds in the early morning hours over the weekend should yield to sunny, mostly clear skies in the afternoons, giving Orange County residents another dose of schizophrenic California weather.

An upper-altitude, high-pressure system over Arizona will help maintain the current fair weather pattern and establish the warming trend, meteorologists explained. But a shallow layer of marine air along the coast ought to keep beaches cloudy and a bit foggy overnight and through the early morning hours.

Friday’s highs are expected to be from 72 to 76 degrees at the beaches, and morning clouds and continued high haze should keep beach temperatures in the low to mid-70s through the weekend. Surf was running 2 to 3 feet along the Orange County coast Thursday, with a sea breeze rising to 20 m.p.h. at times.

Santa Ana had a high of 87 Thursday, and temperatures in the inland county areas should reach between 82 and 90 degrees this weekend. Forecasters said the mercury could rise to 90 degrees by early afternoon today or Saturday.

Orange County beach officials said they hope for better conditions to bring out the crowds for the weekend.

Huntington Beach lifeguard Steve Hicks said conditions were “not very good” at the city shores Thursday. He said 17 m.p.h. winds and thick morning fog kept crowds light all day at the city beach. The high reached 74, with a water temperature of 66, he said.

Laguna Beach lifeguard Mark Klosterman said the fog burned off at Laguna about noon, which kept crowds light to moderate at about 10,000 people. The high there was 73, with a water temperature also of 66.

Weekend yachtsmen were warned to make provision for the night and morning fog and low clouds, followed by west to southwest winds rising to 15 knots and an inshore, southwest swell up to 2 feet from Point Concepcion to the Mexican border. Those who venture more than 60 miles out can expect northwest winds to 18 knots with combined seas rising to 7 feet at times.

A chance of weekend showers is forecast for the mountain areas--with the chance becoming stronger farther north.

Deserts should be generally clear with westerly winds rising to 25 m.p.h. Temperatures in the high desert are expected to reach 105 degrees, while lower deserts are expected to have afternoon temperatures in the 110-degree range.

Las Vegas is expecting hot days and warm nights, with a temperature range of between 83 and 113 degrees.

Variable high cloudiness is forecast for San Francisco, with a 20% chance of sprinkles or light showers and fog along the coast. Predicted high temperatures are in the low 70s in the Bay Area and 100 degrees inland, with a west wind rising to 20 m.p.h. in the afternoons.

Ensenada visitors can leave rain gear at home, forecasters said. Clear skies are predicted in that area, with temperatures in the low 80s after morning fog and low clouds burn away.