Hilary, Irwin to enhance surf along Southern California during US Open of Surfing

By Faith Eherts, AccuWeather meteorologist

July 31,2017, 2:55:03PM,EDT

 

 

Hilary and Irwin, both former hurricanes, will enhance surf for the U.S. Open of Surfing, but beachgoers will face dangerous conditions.
The eastern Pacific Basin has produced a series of strong, long-lived hurricanes this season, and currently there are two tropical cyclones parading westward between southern Mexico and Hawaii.
In the East Pacific, Hilary and Irwin are swirling over the open waters. Neither storm will have direct impacts to land. In fact, Hilary is now only a tropical rainstorm. Irwin will follow suit at midweek.
“Despite weakening and remaining well away from the coast, these systems are still expected to bring an extended period of rough surf along the coast of Southern California through Tuesday,” Root said.

Some may view this as great timing. The U.S. Open of Surfing will take place at Huntington Beach, California, this week and professional surfers will generally find the increase in wave action pleasing. The major surfing event is expected to bring hundreds of thousands of people out to the beach.
This event, combined with heat across inland Southern California, will make for a potentially busy weekend at the beaches.
"Surf will average 4 to 6 feet through Tuesday," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski. "There can be occasional sets to 8 feet, mainly on south-facing beaches and occurring into Monday night."
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However, for inexperienced surfers and swimmers, the increase in swells can be quite dangerous.
Beachgoers will need to be vigilant if they decide to swim in the ocean. Strong rip currents will threaten anyone who enters the water, so it will be important for swimmers to remain in areas patrolled by lifeguards, or to not enter the water at all. Those planning on going to the beach will want to check for any beach or coastal advisories beforehand.
As Hilary and Irwin dissipate over the open waters of the Pacific Ocean by midweek, surf will decrease and by the end of the week should be back closer to normal.
This will lower the threat for rip currents and dangerous swells at the end of the week. Those hoping to cool off from the building heat across the West will find beach conditions to be more enjoyable.