Bay Area residents can expect to continue basking in unseasonably high temperatures this week as the dry spell persists across the region, the National Weather Service San Francisco reports. Above-normal temperatures and dry conditions are set to stick around, marked by clear skies and a significant lack of wet weather on the horizon, but watch out for the fog if you're in Big Sur or planning to cruise down Highway 1 south of Carmel by the Sea, according to the National Weather Service.
Despite a weak upper-level disturbance barely noticeable on satellite, the effects remain minimal. Besides mid-high level alto-cumulus clouds dotting the Central Coast, the weather update signifies no need for alarm. Meanwhile, record temperatures are being logged, with Watsonville Airport hitting a record high for December 2 at 72 degrees. Oakland Museum's temperature is forecasted to outdo its previous high for today of 67 degrees set in 2014. The mild winter weather doesn't hold back from its steady climb across the charts.
The NWS long-term forecast favors a Rex Block pattern, setting the stage for a robust high-pressure system over the West Coast and a developing low over the Desert Southwest, preparing us for more of the same: dry and warm. While two shortwaves might skirt the region—one on Thursday bringing increased cloudiness to certain coastal areas and another on Saturday that could see a slight temperature fall and some northern breeze—the likelihood remains high that a pressure ridge will resurface, ensuring the dry spell's persistence.
Travelers and aviation stakeholders should expect generally favorable flying conditions with prevalent VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions, except for some potential patches of fog that could disrupt the usual at STS late at night. Winds will be limited to local effects for several sites, meaning light and mostly variable winds for much of the area. It's smooth sailing for aviators except for moderate breezes come afternoon and some southeast drainage winds that might impact SNS come early Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
The maritime outlook remains similarly mellow, with a long-period northwest swell and light to moderate north winds combining to create light to moderate sea states for the coming days. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a weekend mariner, the NWS marine report forecasts no significant hazards on the water through Sunday, so it seems the sea gods are smiling upon the Pacific for now.
