The National Weather Service (NWS) Los Angeles/Oxnard office has issued a detailed coastal waters forecast for Southern California, including the Channel Islands. This forecast covers various marine zones, extending from Point Piedras Blancas to San Mateo Point, out to 60 nautical miles offshore. The forecast period spans from Thursday, February 27, 2025, through Tuesday night.
Southern California Coastal Waters Forecast Details
The forecast is based on a high-pressure system west of Point Conception and an inverted trough along the Central to Southern California coast. These systems will influence wind and sea conditions throughout the forecast period. Mariners should consult weather.gov/marine/wavedetail for additional wave information.
Point Piedras Blancas to Point Sal (Out to 10 NM)
Winds: Primarily northwest (NW) ranging from 5 to 15 knots, increasing to 10-20 knots Saturday and strengthening further Sunday and Monday, potentially reaching 20-30 knots. Winds will decrease Tuesday.
Seas: 6 to 9 feet, building to 7-10 feet Saturday, increasing to 8-11 feet Sunday through Monday, and subsiding to 5-7 feet by Tuesday.
Weather: A slight chance of thunderstorms Friday night. Chance of showers increasing Saturday night through Monday, with rain likely Sunday. Chance of rain diminishing Tuesday.
Point Piedras Blancas to Point Sal (10 to 60 NM)
Winds: Similar to the nearshore zone, with NW winds prevailing and increasing to 15-25 knots Saturday night, and 20-30 knots Sunday through Monday. Tuesday will see a decrease in wind speeds.
Seas: Higher than the nearshore zone, with seas 8-9 feet building to 10-12 feet Saturday night through Monday. Seas will subside to 6-7 feet by Tuesday.
Weather: A slight chance of thunderstorms Friday night. Chance of showers increasing Saturday through Monday, with rain likely Sunday. Chance of rain diminishing Tuesday.
Point Sal to Santa Cruz Island (Out to 60 NM)
Winds: Predominantly west (W) and NW winds 10-15 knots, increasing to 20-30 knots Saturday through Monday. Winds will decrease Tuesday.
Seas: 7-10 feet, building to 9-12 feet by Saturday night and remaining elevated through Monday. Seas will subside to 5-7 feet Tuesday.
Weather: A slight chance of showers Friday. Chance of showers increasing Saturday night through Monday, with rain likely Sunday and Sunday night. Chance of rain diminishing Tuesday.
Santa Cruz Island to San Clemente Island (Out to 60 NM)
Winds: W and NW winds 10-15 knots, increasing to 15-25 knots Saturday and 20-30 knots Sunday. Gusts to 30 knots possible Saturday night. NW winds increasing to 25-35 knots Monday. Winds will decrease Tuesday.
Seas: 6-9 feet building to 8-11 feet Saturday night through Monday. Seas will decrease Tuesday.
Weather: A slight chance of thunderstorms Friday night. A slight chance of showers Saturday night. Chance of rain increasing Sunday through Monday. Chance of rain diminishing Tuesday.
East Santa Barbara Channel
Winds: W and NW winds 10-15 knots, increasing to 15-25 knots Saturday and 20-30 knots Sunday. Winds will decrease to 10-20 knots Tuesday.
Seas: Generally lower than outer waters, ranging from 2-8 feet.
Weather: A slight chance of thunderstorms Friday night. A chance of showers increasing Saturday night through Monday. Chance of rain diminishing Tuesday.
Inner Waters (Point Mugu to San Mateo Point)
Winds: W and NW winds generally lighter than outer waters, ranging from 5 to 35 knots, with the strongest winds Sunday and Monday.
Seas: Lower than outer waters, typically 2-8 feet.
Weather: A slight chance of thunderstorms Friday night. A slight chance of rain Saturday and increasing Sunday through Monday. Chance of rain diminishing Tuesday.
National Weather Service Los Angeles: Stay Informed
The National Weather Service Los Angeles provides crucial marine forecasts for safe navigation. Boaters and other marine interests should monitor these forecasts regularly and be prepared for changing conditions. Remember to check for updates before venturing out on the water. Always prioritize safety.