Surf and Sun

WEATHER FORECAST

While Thursday was beautiful for the most part, it wasn’t expected.

Instead, it was supposed to be a bit more cloudy. Today, expect

cloudiness with chances of showers and thunderstorms. But maybe not. Not

much help, but keep the umbrella handy nonetheless.

Highs should be in the mid-60s in Newport-Mesa, with lows in the low

to mid-50s.

Information:o7 www.nws.noaa.govf7 .

BOATING FORECAST

It’s the day of the big event -- the 55th Tommy Bahama Newport to

Ensenada Yacht Race. Early on, there is a chance of showers and patchy

fog.

By about noon, when the race begins, the westerly winds will blow 15

to 20 knots in the inner waters, with 1- to 3-foot waves and a west swell

of 2 to 4 feet. The swell will later build to 4 to 6 feet.

By night, the wind will ease to 10 knots, though the swell will build

to 6 to 8 feet.

Out farther, where it really counts during the race, the northwesterly

winds will blow 15 to 20 knots, with 3-foot waves early. This afternoon,

the winds will increase to 20 to 25 knots, with stronger gusts, 4-foot

waves and a northwest swell of 4 to 6 feet. The swell will later build to

7 to 9 feet. Tonight, the winds will increase even more to a strong 20 to

30 knots, with 3- to 5-foot waves and a swell of 9 to 12 feet.

SURF

The latest northwest swell today won’t do much for us in Newport

Beach. We’ll still only be in the knee- to waist-high range today. By

Saturday, some chest-highs will be encountered. The same should hold for

Sunday.

Keep your fingers crossed that a southwest swell rolls in Wednesday to

provide some shoulder- to head-highs.

Water quality:o7 www.surfrider.orgf7 .

TIDES

Time Height

9:38 a.m. 4.94 feet high

3:23 p.m. 0.31 feet low

9:38 p.m. 6.25 feet high

WATER TEMPERATURE

About 59