Bay Area to Enjoy Mild Warm-Up Over the Weekend, Minor Heat Risks for Sensitive Groups

Bay Area residents can expect a gentle warm-up as we head into the weekend. While the warming trend brings a minor heat risk for those sensitive to heat, particularly in inland areas, the National Weather Service advises against concerns for those without effective cooling or adequate hydration. Temperatures are slated to climb, hitting their peak between late morning and early evening.

In the short term, the region will continue to experience cool conditions with a slight chance for very isolated dry thunderstorms, a range of 10 to 14%, today. Coastal residents might notice some patchy drizzle this morning. However, "after looking at the data for the past several nights and conditions continuing to look less favorable, opted to remove the mention of thunder in the forecast," reports the National Weather Service's Area Forecast Discussion. Consequently, the potential for thunderstorms has been dialed back significantly, and the Bay Area will likely see another day of coastal stratus and drizzle with gradual clearing elsewhere.

Looking ahead, the longer-term forecast indicates no significant precipitation expected, with a warming trend set to continue through the weekend. According to National Weather Service communications, a high-pressure system building over the eastern Pacific promises a stretch of dry weather, with weakening ridging and quasi-zonal flow anticipated from Friday into Saturday. Temperatures will drop early next week due to a slight trough development.

For aviators, the Marine Layer has lifted, resulting in MVFR ceiling regulations during the morning hours, with conditions forecasted to improve to VFR status by mid-morning. "Moderate confidence in VFR timing mainly because more dense cloud cover will likely be lingering around the airfield through most of the day," the National Weather Service commented, indicating some certainty in their predictions despite dense clouds. Marine conditions will see a continuous southerly flow through the morning, with northerly winds expected to pick up throughout the rest of the waters by Thursday afternoon.