It’s a Weekend for Fireworks and Fair Skies

San Diegans can expect cooler temperatures for the holiday weekend, National Weather Service forecasters said.

Temperatures, which have been flirting with the 80s this week, will range from 69 to 73 degrees on Friday and throughout the weekend at the beaches. The coastal areas will have temperatures ranging from 74 to 78, and highs in the inland areas will reach 83 to 93 degrees.

Temperatures on Independence Day should hover around 73, average for the date. Last year’s high temperature on July 4 was 73.

With the decline in temperatures, the humidity is also expected to drop. Chief forecaster Wilbur Shigehara said he expects a range of 55-65%. The relative humidity has been near 80% for the last few days.

Rain will be limited to the mountain areas.

The ocean water temperature will range from 67 to 70 degrees.

Police will make special efforts this weekend to handle the large crowds expected to celebrate in the Mission Beach area. Beginning Friday morning, police will divert westbound traffic at West Mission Bay Drive and Ingraham Street. Travelers may get to Mission Beach by driving north on Ingraham or Interstate 5, turning west onto Garnet or Grand avenues, and driving south on Mission Boulevard. Although West Mission Bay Drive westbound will be blocked off all weekend, cars will be able to use it eastbound to leave the beach.

“It’s going to be like filling up a water bottle from the top and letting it flow out the bottom,” said Officer Paul Duiresen.

In addition, as soon as parking lots south of Ventura Place are filled, Mission Boulevard south of Ventura will be closed to all but residents with identification. The traffic diversions are needed to allow emergency vehicles access to the beach, police said, and visitors are advised to get there by 10 a.m.

All city and county offices will be closed for the holiday. Three city beaches will be closed this weekend because of pollution: Crown Point, Santa Clara Cove and Tourmaline Surfing Park.