Holding onto your hats and anything that might blow away in the breeze isn’t the worst idea for Bay Area residents today. According to an announcement from NWS San Francisco, strong northwest winds are expected to peak this afternoon and evening with gusts reaching potential speeds of 40 mph along the coast and in higher terrain.
Now, when you thought it might be cooling off, the National Weather Service reports a "Moderate HeatRisk" in the interior North and East Bay today. And just to mix things up, temperatures are set to dip over the weekend, so maybe hold off on packing away those sweatshirts.
For those interested in the more technical aspects, the marine layer has been squashed, and a drier air intrusion is shaking up the usual Bay Area weather patterns. The SFO-ACV pressure gradient has jumped significantly, which might translate to warm, sunny afternoons that bring some risks. Hastening these winds, a surface high pressure is building over far northwestern California, effectively compressing the marine layer, especially in the North Bay, and mixing drier air into the equation.
Looking ahead, the region isn’t out of the woods just yet for unusual weather. The NWS forecasts moisture associated with a low-pressure system to bring precipitation chances into the area by Saturday. While the likelihood of thunderstorms is minimal, don't be surprised if you spot a cumulus cloud or even experience a slight shower, especially in the interior North Bay.
As for those who take to the skies or seas, gusty conditions are expected to continue making their presence felt into the weekend. The latest NWS aviation and marine forecast advises of gale-force gusts across the waters of the Bay Area, with breezy to gusty conditions also affecting flight and marine operations. Warnings have been issued for small craft and gale conditions across various locales, so those planning water activities or flying should stay vigilant.
