The Bay Area is set to experience a heating trend over the weekend, raising temperatures and concerns for those susceptible to heat-related stress. According to the National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area, today ushers in warmer temperatures, progressively climbing through the early part of next week. While the previous forecast anticipated slightly hotter conditions, the latest predictions suggest a bit of cooling. However, on Monday and Tuesday, moderate heat risk remains possible for many inland areas.
Stratus clouds that have crept along the coast and infiltrated inland valleys overnight are expected to dissipate as the morning advances, except around Monterey Bay, where the marine layer remains resilient. Despite the presence of low clouds being filled overnight, they will begin vanishing by mid-to-late morning except for regions immediately along the coast. Under the tutelage of a building high-pressure system offshore, Saturday should herald temperatures aligning more closely with seasonal averages.
The NWS reports stratus and fog impacting visibility for aviators, with conditions steadily improving after morning dispersion. For example, the vicinity of SFO forecasts IFR conditions prevailing until around 1700z today, upgrading to VFR later in the afternoon. However, expect these lower conditions to return with the late night. Meanwhile, the Monterey Bay Terminals are enveloped in very low visibility due to morning fog, but they should improve as the day progresses.
As per the NWS, Mariners should note that northwesterly winds are predicted to continue through Monday. While this has resulted in moderately turbulent seas, particularly in the outer coastal waters, the scenario is expected to mend by Tuesday, with winds and seas becoming more placid as we head into midweek. A Small Craft Advisory remains in place until 9 PM PDT Saturday evening, stretching from Pt Arena to Pt Reyes over a substantial 10-60 nautical mile offshore range. Those planning to head into the waters should hence be prepared for the temperamental conditions.
