The San Francisco Bay Area is ushering in a period of blustery conditions this Sunday morning as gusty winds sweep across the region in the wake of an approaching cold front. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) San Francisco Bay Area, locals can expect cooler temperatures to accompany these breezes throughout the day, with peak gusts anticipated by late tonight and into early Monday morning. Residents along the coastal areas, particularly the Sonoma coast, the Golden Gate, and Santa Cruz County's coast west of Capitola, are bracing for the most significant winds, which could hit 35-40 mph with the occasional burst reaching upwards of 45-50 mph.

NWS reports have indicated that the impending gusts are part of a broader meteorological pattern, marking a cooldown with below-normal temperatures persisting into the midweek. While a wind advisory has not been issued, areas like the Salinas Valley, East Bay valleys, and the San Bruno Gap near SFO will be exposed to 25-30 mph winds. Amidst this climatic shift, residents are preparing for a "very pleasant, cool day" on Monday, with highs fluctuating between the upper 50s to mid-70s, per the NWS forecast.

Adding to the atmospheric action, the region is poised for another swipe of a similar system midweek, albeit with a gentler touch and less wind, according to the NWS's extended forecast. This second system carries a silver lining with the potential for slight rainfall on Wednesday, thus providing "a slight damper on our local fire season." Even as the rainfall totals might not tip the scales, the anticipation of moisture, however modest, is a welcome respite in the drought-prone area.

The conversation about the current meteorological happenings extended to Twitter, where NWSBayArea provided updates and visual data on the escalating wind speeds prior to sunrise. The social media post corroborated the formal advisory by illustrating the uptick in gusty conditions destined to intensify throughout the afternoon. Aviation, too, is adjusting to the shifting skies, with "moderate and gusty" winds expected at most terminals today and a forecast for winds to remain strong into the late night before abating into Monday morning, according to the NWS's 12Z TAFS bulletin. As the Bay braces for the onslaught of the elements, mariners are equally cautioned as "strong and gusty northwesterly winds will develop and strengthen through the day", per the NWS's marine forecast.

Winds starting to pick up across the Bay Area this morning. Here's a glance at the current gusts just before sunrise. Expect winds to increase into this afternoon as a cold front passes through the region.#CAwx pic.twitter.com/TBMRZX37mo

— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) September 15, 2024