The San Francisco Bay Area is alert for elevated fire weather concerns through the weekend. With gusty winds reaching 25 to 40 mph and afternoon humidity dropping to between 15 and 25 percent, areas such as the interior East Bay, the eastern Santa Clara Hills, and the Gabilan Range in interior Monterey and San Benito Counties are at an increased risk for quickly spreading grass fires. Residents are advised to take precautionary measures, such as securing tow chains, properly extinguishing cigarette butts, storing water near open flames, and avoiding the use of equipment that creates sparks, according to the National Weather Service San Francisco CA.
Moreover, the Bay Area is experiencing a cooling trend that started today and will continue into the weekend. According to an Area Forecast Discussion by NWS San Francisco, gusty winds will combine with dry conditions and increasing fuels, particularly in elevated grassy areas. With temperatures expected to be around normal and a weakening cold front approaching, winds are predicted to become even gustier, especially at higher elevations. A wind advisory, however, is not expected at this time.
Regarding aviation, the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and surrounding airports could experience fluctuations in visibility with the possibility of stratus cloud intrusion. While the current marine layer stands at around 1000 feet, it's anticipated to deepen tonight. This could lead to wider stratus development, reducing visibility and potential travel delays. Pilots and travelers should anticipate strong west to northwest winds throughout the day, with gusts potentially up to 35 knots, particularly in the afternoon and evening.
The marine conditions are also hazardous, with gale-force winds over the coastal waters expected to continue into Friday following a dry cold front passage. These conditions are predicted to ease from gale force to near gale to strong by late Friday into Saturday, maintaining that level through early next week. Mariners are advised to be cautious, taking note of forecasted significant wave heights reaching 10 to 12 feet across the coastal waters on Thursday and into the weekend before they begin to recede early next week.
Fire weather advisories have been underscored by the NWS San Francisco, citing strong winds and low humidity that contribute to elevated concerns today. "Fuels have been curing across the interior, especially across the finer fuels of grass and brush, and there's already been several notable grass fires across the interior portions of the region. However, the fact that winds will remain onshore and temperatures will cool will keep fire weather conditions below critical levels into the weekend," as mentioned by the NWS San Francisco.
