Malibu Weather Update: Rain moves out, but dangerous surf and coastal flooding remain
By The Malibu Times · Mon Sep 07 2026
High surf, strong rip currents and coastal flooding remain concerns through Tuesday night following Sunday’s rain and thunderstorms
Malibu is waking up to improving weather conditions on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7, following Sunday’s unusual September rain, thunderstorms and lightning, but officials continue to warn that dangerous ocean conditions remain along the coast. The National Weather Service forecast for Malibu calls for just a 20 percent chance of rain before 11 a.m. Monday, followed by mostly sunny skies and a high near 80 degrees. Winds are expected at 5 to 15 mph, with gusts potentially reaching 20 mph.
Sunday’s storm brought periods of heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning to Malibu and surrounding areas as tropical moisture associated with Hurricane Marie moved through Southern California. Lightning prompted Los Angeles County lifeguards to clear and temporarily close Malibu beaches Sunday.
As of Monday morning, The Malibu Times has not found a current official notice indicating that the lightning-related closure remains in effect. The National Weather Service also reports no thunderstorm potential expected along the Malibu Coast today. However, beachgoers should continue to follow any instructions from lifeguards and other public safety personnel at individual beaches.
While the thunderstorms are gone, the ocean remains the primary concern.
The National Weather Service has continued both a High Surf Advisory and Coastal Flood Advisory for the Malibu Coast through 11 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, along with a high risk of rip currents.
Surf Monday is forecast at 5 to 8 feet, with local sets potentially reaching 12 feet, particularly along exposed south-facing shores. The NWS warns that rip currents will be widespread and very strong and could pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves could also wash people from beaches and rocks and capsize small boats near shore.
Coastal flooding and erosion will also remain concerns. High tide is expected to reach approximately 7 feet around 7 p.m. Monday, increasing the potential for ocean water to reach vulnerable beaches, parking lots, walkways and low-lying coastal roads. The Malibu Coast is specifically identified as an area susceptible to coastal flooding during the advisory period.
Another concern following Sunday’s rainfall is ocean water quality. Los Angeles County public health officials are advising people to avoid entering ocean water through Sept. 9 because storm runoff can increase bacteria levels along county beaches.
The National Weather Service recommends staying out of the water while dangerous surf conditions persist. Anyone who does enter the ocean should remain near an occupied lifeguard tower and check conditions with lifeguards first. Beachgoers should stay off rocks and jetties, keep well back from unexpectedly large waves and never turn their back on the ocean.
Drivers should also avoid flooded coastal roads and never drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.
Conditions are expected to continue improving on land Monday, but the end of the rain does not mean the end of the danger at the beach. High surf, powerful rip currents, beach erosion and the potential for coastal flooding are expected to remain through Tuesday night.