Bay Area residents and visitors are facing a weekend of weather-caused precautions. The National Weather Service in San Francisco has released a series of advisories and statements regarding dense fog, hazardous beach conditions, and minor coastal flooding. A Dense Fog Advisory has been issued for the North Bay Interior Valleys due to visibility dropping below half a mile, creating hazardous driving conditions. Meanwhile, hazardous beach conditions will persist, and everyone is advised to stay off rocks, jetties, and out of the water due to strong waves and rip currents.
These conditions are exacerbated by a Supermoon event that occurred on Wednesday, generating higher-than-normal tides that are expected to cause coastal flooding. According to the NWS San Francisco, a "Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect now through 2 PM PST Saturday," highlighting areas along the coast most susceptible to these natural occurrences. Caution is emphasized for residents and beachgoers, with advisories remaining in place through Saturday morning for all Pacific Coast beaches. Motorists in fog-affected areas are urged to slow down and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
From an aviation perspective, the Area Forecast Discussion indicates VFR conditions are expected to persist across the Bay Area. However, there is a slight chance of MVFR ceilings due to low stratus and fog. Light rain may continue in the North Bay this morning, and visibility issues due to patchy dense fog are expected to clear by mid to late morning.
Looking ahead, the weather for the Bay Area is set to improve through the weekend, with a buildup of a high-pressure ridge leading to clear skies and temperatures warmer than the seasonal average. However, all good things come to an end as a shift in the weather is anticipated by the middle of next week. "Monday night into Tuesday will mark the start of the ridge eroding," the National Weather Service reports, suggesting rain starting light in the North Bay before spreading southward with increasing coverage and intensity. While some uncertainty remains regarding the exact impacts, most model and Atmospheric River guidance tilts towards the more beneficial side of the spectrum for our region.
Mariners aren't left out of warnings, with a Small Craft Advisory in effect for certain areas due to a moderate period WNW swell. Although rough seas continue, conditions are slated to ease by Saturday. For those looking to enjoy the sand and surf, remaining vigilant is key, as "an increased risk for sneaker waves and rip currents will linger Friday through early Saturday morning," as per the Beach Hazards Statement issued by the National Weather Service. Thus, even as some may be drawn to the coastline's beauty, the ocean calls for a respectful, careful distance.
