Elevated surf and strong rip currents are expected Monday along the coast, creating hazards for swimmers, surfers and boaters on this Independence Day, National Weather Service forecasters said.

Surf of 3 to 5 feet is expected, reaching 7 feet at some south- and southwest-facing beaches, and a beach hazards statement, which is one level less serious than a high surf advisory, will be in effect in Los Angeles County through this afternoon and in Orange County through tonight.

“There is an increased risk for ocean drowning,” warned an NWS statement. “Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Sneaker waves can suddenly wash people off of beaches or rocks and capsize small boats near shore.”

The NWS forecast partly cloudy skies in Los Angeles County today and highs of 71 in Avalon; 73 at LAX; 76 in Long Beach; 80 in San Gabriel; 81 in Burbank and on Mount Wilson; 82 in Pasadena; 86 in Woodland Hills; 88 in Saugus; 95 in Lancaster; and 96 in Palmdale.

A combination of sunny and partly cloudy skies was forecast for Orange County, along with highs of 70 in Laguna Beach; 71 in Newport Beach and San Clemente; 77 in Anaheim, Mission Viejo and Irvine; 78 in Yorba Linda; and 79 in Fullerton.

Southland temperatures are forecast to remain about the same for the next several days.

—Staff and wire reports

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