Bay Area residents should brace themselves for a blustery weekend as gusty northwest winds make their return. Forecasters are expecting widespread wind gusts ranging from 25 to 35 mph, and even higher speeds up to 45 mph in the highest terrains and through gaps and passes, starting late Friday and continuing through the weekend; they advise securing any loose outdoor objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind, according to the National Weather Service San Francisco.
In addition to strong winds, cooler temperatures are in the cards for the Bay Area as a "potent system enters the Great Basin," with warm and dry conditions forecasted to return by mid-next week. This update was included in the Area Forecast Discussion from the National Weather Service, San Francisco, CA. Although today promises a clear sky and breezy northwest flow, some upper-level cloudiness, related to a subtle shortwave trough, is expected to float through the region.
The weather this weekend is influenced by the system that's forecasted to move into the Great Basin by late Friday night, causing gusty NW winds set to kick in by midday Saturday and persist until Sunday evening, the pattern reflecting high confidence in ensemble guidance, which has remained steady over the past days. However, a shift in the weather is revealed as "The latest guidance depicts a more open wave, which would ultimately lead to the upper low ejecting out into the Central Plains a bit earlier than previously expected," meaning less offshore wind than previously anticipated, yet causing elevated fire danger in the North Bay due to low humidities from compressional heating and continental air mass influence. as per the National Weather Service.
For those hitting the waters, be prepared for "hazardous marine conditions" that will span relentlessly through Tuesday, the NWS forecast office warns of high winds and rough seas. A mix of Small Craft Advisories and Gale Warnings is in effect for various zones around San Francisco Bay and the Monterey Bay, indicating strong to near gale breezes and seas that could be treacherous through Tuesday. Keep an eye on the skies and seas, and as always, stay safe out there.
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