According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in San Francisco, locals should expect northwest winds sweeping through, ranging from 20 to 30 mph with strong gusts up to 45 mph, beginning late Saturday morning and carrying through early Sunday morning. This advisory, as outlined in an alert from NWS San Francisco, suggests securing any loose outdoor items ahead of time to avoid any wind-related mishaps.
The NWS has also issued a Beach Hazards Statement through Monday. Gusts reaching the 40-50 mph mark will likely peak during the afternoon and early evening along the coast, with inland areas experiencing gusts between 30-40 mph. The advisory kicks in at 11 AM Saturday for coastal zones and extends through 5 AM Sunday, as stated in the Area Forecast Discussion by NWS San Francisco.
Looking further ahead, a transition to offshore winds is expected by Monday. These offshore gusts will be blowing mainly over the North and East Bay, which could, combined with warmer and drier conditions, spike some concern over elevated fire danger in the area. However, per NWS, the underlying moistness of local fuels may blunt the severity of any fire weather danger. It seems as though the routine pattern of cool and cloudy mornings followed by warmer afternoons will return as the new work week unfolds into Tuesday.
For those taking to the skies, flight operations may see some disruptions due to powerful winds, with gusts potentially hitting 35 to 40 knots, especially this afternoon and evening. The NWS advises anticipating bumps for North Bay flights, although severe low-level wind shear (LLWS) is not expected. Mariners should stay vigilant, too, as strong northwesterly winds are predicted to bring widespread rough seas by evening. These conditions are anticipated to relax as we edge into the next work week, but it'd still be rough for anyone in a small craft until at least mid-week.
And for all beachcombers and surf enthusiasts, the moderate northwesterly swell churned up by these winds will create hazardous surf, particularly along the Central Coast. The NWS has placed a Beach Hazards Statement into effect from tonight through Monday morning for the Monterey County coastline, with breaking waves expected to reach heights of 15 to 20 feet, and peaks up to 28 feet in certain spots. So, for your safety, it might be wise to admire the surging waves from afar this weekend.
