O.C. heat could break records

National Weather Service forecasters predict that temperatures in Orange County could break records this week, spurring them to issue “an excessive heat” watch.

Newport Beach could reach a record high of 85 degrees this Fourth of July. Further inland toward northern Costa Mesa, temperatures between 97 and 99 degrees are expected.

“Based on the forecasts, we may be seeing record-breaking temperatures,” weather service forecaster Noel Isla said Monday. He recommended drinking extra water and refraining from heavy outdoor activity in the afternoon.

Newport Beach last set a record for highs in 1936 with temperatures reaching 81 on Wednesday and 80 on Thursday, Isla said. In 1957, temperatures reached as high as 99 inland on July 4, and 96 July 5.

The heat wave, low humidity and drought-like conditions also have raised the danger of wildfires, forecasters said.

If it continues, the weather service might issue a red-flag warning later in the week.

Another potential hazard is an approaching southern swell that forecasters anticipate will boost the risk of rip currents. The surf should be 5 to 6 feet high today, according to the weather service.

Swimmers caught in a riptide should paddle parallel to the shore and, if they get tired, they should not fight the current. Instead, they should float and wait for a lifeguard to rescue them, authorities said.

Rip currents can be identified as murky, choppy currents that pull water away from the shore.