Extreme heat and dangerous ocean conditions continue along Malibu coast

By The Malibu Times · Thu Sep 10 2026

Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect through Thursday evening as high rip-current risk, elevated surf and extreme heat create dual hazards

Malibu residents and visitors are facing hazards both on land and at sea Thursday as extreme heat continues across the region while dangerous ocean conditions linger along the coast following several days of powerful surf associated with Marie.

The National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard office has continued a Beach Hazards Statement for the Malibu Coast through Thursday evening, Sept. 10, warning of dangerous rip currents and breaking waves caused by elevated surf.

The latest NWS Surf Zone Forecast calls for 3- to 6-foot surf through Thursday, with the rip-current risk remaining high. Under the National Weather Service classification, a high risk means life-threatening rip currents are likely. Water temperatures are running between 73 and 75 degrees.

The latest advisory also warns of abnormally high tides around 7 feet between 8 and 10 p.m. Thursday, which could lead to unusual pooling of seawater around beaches and harbor areas and contribute to additional beach erosion. No significant coastal damage is currently expected.

The lingering southerly swell comes after several days of hazardous conditions along Malibu's coastline associated with Marie. Earlier this week, the National Weather Service had both a High Surf Advisory and Coastal Flood Advisory in effect for Malibu. Those advisories expired Tuesday night, but hazardous ocean conditions have persisted.

The NWS warns that strong rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea, while breaking waves can wash people off beaches and rocks and capsize small boats near shore.

Officials recommend remaining out of the water during the hazardous conditions or staying close to occupied lifeguard towers. Beachgoers are also being urged to stay off rocks and jetties.

Extreme heat adds another hazard

Complicating conditions along the coast is an ongoing Extreme Heat Warning for Malibu through 8 p.m. Thursday.

The National Weather Service said temperatures ranging from 92 to 108 degrees are possible across the broader warning area, which includes the Malibu Coast, Los Angeles County beaches, the Santa Monica Mountains, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, portions of the San Fernando Valley and other parts of Los Angeles County.

Forecasters said humid conditions will add to the discomfort, while prolonged high temperatures significantly increase the risk of heat-related illness.

The combination of extreme heat and dangerous ocean conditions creates an additional concern along the Malibu coast. Residents and visitors seeking relief from the heat may be drawn to the beaches at a time when the National Weather Service continues to warn that entering the ocean could be dangerous.

Officials recommend drinking plenty of fluids, limiting strenuous outdoor activity, staying out of direct sunlight when possible and checking on relatives and neighbors who may be vulnerable to heat. Children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles.

Coastal damage continues at Sea Level Drive

The warnings come as Malibu continues dealing with the aftermath of this week's powerful waves and unusually high tides.

The City of Malibu said Wednesday that it continues to respond to the large sinkhole on Sea Level Drive near Point Lechuza caused by coastal erosion from high waves and tides associated with Marie.

The incident was first reported at approximately 5:45 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, when the collapse of a beachfront driveway extended into the private roadway, blocking access for residents and emergency personnel.

The City initially reported that five homes had been red-tagged Tuesday morning. By Wednesday, officials said all 31 properties affected by the loss of access had been red-tagged and remained under a mandatory evacuation orderbecause fire, sheriff's and other emergency personnel could not safely reach the homes.

The City reported that the sinkhole and surrounding erosion did not significantly expand overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.

SoCalGas shut off gas service Tuesday evening after a gas leak was discovered, while Waterworks District 29 shut off water service to prevent possible water-main breaks.

The homeowners association, which controls the private roadway, began repairs with City permits within hours of the incident. According to the City, additional construction and shoring work is expected to take approximately five weeks, depending on conditions.

No injuries have been reported.

The City proclaimed a local emergency Tuesday and continues to coordinate with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Sheriff's Department, SoCalGas, American Red Cross and the homeowners association.

Erosion concerns extend beyond Sea Level Drive

Sea Level Drive is not the only portion of Malibu's coastline experiencing the effects of the prolonged surf and high tides.

The City said it is continuing to monitor coastal erosion along Pacific Coast Highway in the Palisades Fire burn area, Point Dume State Beach and other vulnerable locations along the Malibu coast.

Westward Beach Road beyond the pay gate and the Point Dume Beach parking lot also remain closed until further notice because of erosion caused by previous high tides and surf.

The City has not issued a new general surf-specific Beach Advisory for Thursday. However, the National Weather Service's Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect through Thursday evening.

Although the most powerful surf associated with Marie has subsided, the danger is not over. The latest forecast calls for 3- to 6-foot surf Thursday, with life-threatening rip currents remaining likely. The NWS expects surf to decrease to approximately 3 to 5 feet Friday, but the rip-current risk is forecast to remain high.

With extreme heat continuing through Thursday evening and hazardous ocean conditions lingering along the coast, officials are urging residents and visitors to remain cautious and continue monitoring National Weather Service forecasts, lifeguard instructions and City of Malibu emergency alerts.