The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory along the Central Coast until 10 AM due to low visibility conditions affecting areas from the San Francisco Peninsula Coast south through Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay, Salinas Valley, and the Big Sur Coastline. Motorists are advised to exercise caution while driving in these conditions, where visibility shrinks to mere feet and can challenge even the most experienced drivers, as per the National Weather Service.
Amidst the fog advisory, temperatures in these areas continue to soar above normal, paired with moderate heat risks today through Wednesday, putting vulnerable groups at risk. The NWS warns people to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities during peak hours. This is critical for health, particularly in heatwaves when the body can easily be overwhelmed by the temperatures. The National Weather Service is also forecasting "isolated to scattered thunderstorms possible Thursday into early Friday," a shift from the usual sunny forecast, but indicative of a pattern change that could bring cooler weather, rainfall, and maybe a respite from the heat.
The Bay Area is set to experience near-critical fire weather conditions today, with hot, dry, and breezy conditions increasing the risk, "temperatures well into the 90s and low 100s across the interior" coupled with "low humidity this afternoon in the teens to 20% range and typical gusts up to 20-25 mph will result in near critical fire weather conditions," said a statement provided by the NWS San Francisco. The combination of these elements has fire officials on high alert, as the region is still grappling with the aftermath of recent blazes and the ongoing drought.
In a social media post by NWS Bay Area, drivers were advised to take precautions due to dense fog affecting visibility along Monterey Bay and the Big Sur coastline, where changing lanes or overtaking should be avoided unless necessary, as it assists in reducing accident risks during fog events that markedly decrease visibility, leading to treacherous travel conditions, especially in unfamiliar or complex driving environments. The aviation industry is also affected by these weather patterns, with dense fog causing low visibility that will likely persist, altering flight schedules and potentially causing delays.
⚠️Dense fog has developed along Monterey Bay and down the Big Sur coastline. If fog reduces your visibility while driving, don't change lanes or pass other vehicles unless absolutely necessary. Slow down & be sure that you have adequate stopping distance. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/kgMXyWFXTW
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) September 16, 2025
Coastal mariners face their own challenges with a gentle to moderate northerly breeze expected to increase over the coming days, creating fresh to strong winds, particularly for the northern outer waters from Wednesday to Thursday, according to the NWS. These conditions can make navigation tricky and bring rough seas, so those heading out on the water should also take heed and prepare for potential thunderstorms during this period.
