The National Weather Service's latest forecast predicts the typical coastal fog and some expected warmth inland. As we roll into the weekend, temperatures should be creeping up nicely, according to a synopsis issued by the NWS San Francisco. The city's mornings will be shrouded in clouds, with the afternoons clearing up for that postcard-worthy sunshine.
Thursday started with our signature marine layer making a strong showing and even more robust than the day before, considering the marine layer's depth reaches nearly 2000 feet. According to the NWS short-term forecast, the onset of lower 500mb heights courtesy of an upper-level shortwave is to blame for the deeper fog coverage. Regardless, it's expected to be similar to what we experienced on Wednesday. And with a predicted onshore flow peaking around 4mb, it'll be another breezy day for those by the coast and in wind-prone inland valleys and passes.
Looking ahead, Friday and into next week, the NWS long-term outlook mentions a gradual warming trend with temperatures potentially taking a shot at the 100-degree mark in the warmest inland areas come Monday and Tuesday. However, the persistent marine layer will maintain cooler temperatures near the coast despite the inland heat-up. A cooling trend might swing around by mid-next week, suggesting variability is the only constant for Bay Area weather.
"Marine layer stratus has returned to the majority of the terminals overnight and will persist through the morning," according to this morning's aviation outlook from the NWS San Francisco. Expect some afternoon clearing, but be prepared for the inevitable return of IFR-MVFR (Instrument Flight Rules - Marginal Visual Flight Rules) conditions as the fog creeps back in.
