Weather Heats Up; 12-Year-Old Record Tied Saturday

Saturday started the weekend with blue skies and record-tying temperatures. The National Weather Service reported that the 88 degrees recorded at the Ramona Airport tied a record for April 16 that was set in 1999. Lower temperatures and higher winds are expected Sunday.   

San Diego beaches drew big crowds, keeping lifeguards busy rescuing people caught in rip currents. The air temperature reached well into the 70s in La Jolla, and the water temperature rose from 58 to 63. Extra lifeguards were on duty due to the warm water.

Between 30 and 40 people on San Diego beaches were rescued Saturday, said San Diego Lifeguard Nick Lerma, and most did not require any further medical attention. Lifeguards used rescue boats as well. One 56-year-old beachgoer was taken to an area hospital to be treated for an unknown medical condition.

Del Mar Lifeguards were also busy with an estimated 5,000 to 8,000 people at the beach today. About a dozen people have been rescued today, said Del Mar City Lifeguard Mark Rathsam, more than usual because of the weather and the crowds.

City News Service contributed to this report.