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Photo by Jessica Plautz

Above: Bystanders gathered along the beach in Del Mar to watch the huge waves on January 14, 2010.

People who flock to San Diego County beaches this weekend to beat the heat will also have to cope with high surf and powerful rip currents, meteorologists said Thursday.

"A long-period south swell will move into the coastal waters early Friday and will continue through Saturday," according to the National Weather Service. "South-facing beaches will get the highest surf, but all beaches will get some strong rip currents and longshore currents through the weekend."

The agency said waves this weekend are likely to reach 3 to 5 feet with occasional 6-foot sets.

Warmer than usual temperatures could spell larger than normal crowds at local beaches.

"High temperatures in the upper 80s to mid-90s are likely west of the mountains today and Friday," the weather service said, adding the coast will see mostly low to mid-80s.

A slow cooling trend is expected to begin on Sunday.

RELATED: San Diegans Get Ready For Another Heat Wave

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High Surf, Powerful Rip Currents At San Diego County Beaches Friday, Saturday