According to the National Weather Service, the San Francisco Bay Area's weather is set for a shift as we head into the weekend and the following week. It may be time to pull out your layers for those hoping to clutch the last wisps of summer. "Cooling trend this weekend into next week as upper-level system approaches West Coast," reported NWS San Francisco.
Temperatures are expected to drop slightly today, predominantly in the North Bay and SF Bay Area, thanks to "more robust Pacific moisture under a deep marine layer." By this afternoon, you'll still find clear skies, but brace yourself for "breezy onshore gap winds in favored locations such as the Golden Gate, Altamont Pass, and the Salinas Valley." NWS San Francisco also stated that highs will hit the 70s to lower 80s around the Bay, and 60s along the coast.
Looking further ahead, "Medium range guidance is hinting a bit of a pattern shift through this weekend into next week," with an incoming "winter-like" airmass described as unseasonably cool and moist. NWS San Francisco suggests we're in for something closer to "heavy drizzle" rather than pouring rain, with 850 mb temps around 12.5 °C and PWAT just above 1.0" expected. The arrival of this airmass marks a significant departure from typical early September weather patterns for the region.
Aviators should expect "LIFR-MVFR ceilings" in the early mornings across TAF sites with clearing expected later in the day. However, the exact timeline for evening cloud returns remains in the air due to a "significant model spread," per the NWS San Francisco's early morning aviation forecast.
Mariners won't be left untouched by the shifting weather. Moderate northwest winds and seas are forecasted through Friday, with the possibility of "locally strong gusts in the vicinity of Point Sur." Conditions are expected to calm over the weekend, "allowing seas to subside below 5 feet by Sunday," the NWS concludes. The agency has issued a small craft advisory effective from the afternoon into early Friday for areas from Pt Pinos to Pt Piedras Blancas.
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