Recent warm weather draws stingrays, people to beaches

It may be one week before Thanksgiving, but the weather in Newport-Mesa was just beachy Wednesday.

After a foggy beginning to the week, skies cleared and warm temperatures drew people back to the beaches.

Newport Beach lifeguards reported more people -- and stingrays -- were out enjoying the weather at the beach Wednesday.

Three people were stung by stingrays, but no one was seriously injured, said lifeguard assistant Todd Knipp. Lifeguards treat a ray’s sting by soaking the affected area in hot water.

Clear water, calm surf and warm weather draw the stingrays closer to shore, Knipp said.

The warm weather is expected to continue and will likely be joined by blustery winds today, said National Weather Service forecaster Stan Wasowski.

Temperatures will remain in the 70s to mid 80s, Wasowski said. The recorded high temperature at John Wayne Airport on Wednesday was 81 degrees.

Low humidity and blustery winds mean an increased fire danger, and the National Weather Service issued a warning early in the week. The warning will likely remain in effect through the weekend, Wasowski said.

Winds are expected to pick up today, with gusts exceeding 35 mph in the mountains and canyons, Wasowski said.