Labor Day weekend: Cooler weather, big waves and a chance of rain

There’s a chance rain may put a damper on the unofficial end of summer.

Holiday crowds will be heading out to popular destinations throughout the long weekend, crowding beaches, mountains and desert areas. But by warned, a shift in the weather is forecast – so make sure you’re prepared.

Temperatures throughout Southern California are expected to dip for the holiday weekend – still pleasant, but milder than the heat that has lingered for the last week. And, there could even be some light rain in some areas through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

“For this weekend, we are expecting temperatures to cool down quite a bit, especially as we get toward Sunday. It’s looking like the coolest day,” said Samantha Connolly, meteorologist for the National Weather Service in San Diego, noting there’s a chance of light rain throughout the region.

Coastal regions will be in the low-to-mid 70s while inland temps could reach mid-80s. Big Bear and the mountain areas will dip down into the 60s, while the Coachella Valley will be in the 90s, the first time in months the temps there have dropped below 100 degrees, Connolly said.

There’s a 20% chance of rain starting Friday from the coast to the valley, said David Sweet,  National Weather Service meteorologist for the Los Angeles region.

Saturday will be mostly cloudy with a 30% chance of showers, and Sunday will be the same, though overcast clouds should clear by the afternoon to make way for sunny skies, he said.

For Labor Day, expect low clouds and fog before the weather turns sunny.

“Most of the weekend will be cooler, mostly cloudy and a 30% chance of showers,” Sweet said.

Surfers will be stoked on a new south swell expected to build through the weekend, with waves in the 3- to 5-foot range and up to 7 feet by Monday at south-facing beaches such as Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Zuma and some areas of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

With those waves may come hazardous conditions, especially for people unfamiliar with ocean dynamics.

“It is definitely elevated surf from what we would typically see, so there is an increased risk for rip currents,” Connolly said. “Swim near a lifeguard, near a buddy. Try to avoid the rip currents, practice beach safety, and swim near a lifeguard.”

Beaches along the coast should be busy with visitors looking to end the summer season in the sand and surf.

Restaurateur Alicia Cox calls it the start of the “second summer,” with parties planned at her Huntington Beach concessions SeaLegs at the Beach, Huntington House and Sahara Sandbar. There’s a huge line up of DJs and music acts scheduled for all three locations, all three days through the weekend, all for free and for all ages.

“Everyone is welcome to come in,” she said. “I’m excited, we have so many fun events coming up.”

Lake-goers be warned if you are headed to Silverwood Lake, a popular destination for Los Angeles and mountain region residents to cool off.

The lake’s water was closed to swimming on Aug. 24 because of the presence of blue-green algae, which can produce toxins that can be harmful to humans and animals.

When toxins are discovered during testing, advisories are posted based on the amount of toxin detected in the water, according to State Parks.

“A warning advisory indicates it is unsafe to swim and people should avoid contact with algae and keep children away from algae.  Do not drink the water or use it for cooking. Do not eat shellfish. Do not allow pets to enter the water,” officials warn.

State Parks also put out a warning for all visitors to trails, beaches, lakes, mountains and deserts to recreate responsibly, plan and prepare before going and leave no trace. The state recently launched an app called what3words so people can pinpoint or share their precise locations within any of the 280 state parks. This can aid dispatchers in emergency situations or enable assistance to those in need.

“This Labor Day weekend, make the most of your outdoor adventures by putting safety first,” California State Parks Director Armando Quintero said in a statement. “By adhering to responsible recreation practices, safety and leveraging innovative tools, you can create unforgettable memories while preserving the natural beauty of California’s state parks.”