Clouds, Breezes to Bring Relief From Hot Weather

High clouds and light winds are expected to cool off a sweltering, smoggy Orange County today, bringing highs in the mid-80s, according to the National Weather Service.

Sunday’s highs reached 96 degrees in Anaheim and 91 in El Toro. Temperatures hit 90 in Santa Ana, down from 95 on Saturday, a record for the date. The previous high in the city was 92 degrees in 1963.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District predicted smog would be moderate to very unhealthy today. Weather forecasters said it should be five to eight degrees cooler, thanks to a layer of clouds moving in from the ocean.

On Sunday, blazing heat drove hundreds of thousands of people to Orange County beaches, lured by clear skies and temperatures that averaged about 20 degrees cooler than inland. Lifeguards reported the heaviest weekend crowd of the summer.

“It’s an absolutely gorgeous day,” said San Clemente Marine Safety Officer Steve Lashbrook.

However, with the crowds plunging into surf that was running up to eight feet with numerous riptides, lifeguards reported an unusually high number of rescues. About 300 swimmers had to be saved in Newport Beach, said Marine Safety Officer Eric Bauer.

The warm temperatures also increased business at local water parks.

“Lines at admissions gates are up to 15 minutes to get in, with several windows open,” said Dale Dawes, owner of Wild Rivers in Irvine. “Lines on rides are 20 to 40 minutes long.”

Forecasters said temperatures will continue to drop slightly on Tuesday, then will stabilize in the lower to mid-80s inland and upper 60s and 70s along the coast.

Steve Burback of WeatherData, which provides weather information to The Times, said humidity will remain higher than usual because of the dissipating tropical storms.

“At least there will be a relief from the heat,” he said.