Bay Area beachgoers and mariners are being advised to exercise caution until Wednesday evening as the National Weather Service (NWS) has flagged hazardous beach conditions and a Coastal Flood Advisory for the region. According to the NWS San Francisco, a long-period swell is expected to produce 10-14 ft breaking waves, with sneaker waves and strong rip currents posing additional risks along the Pacific Coast beaches. "Sneaker waves can surge much farther up the beach than expected, including over rocks and jetties," the NWS warning notes, also noting that rip currents will be particularly stronger and more frequent near jetties, inlets, and piers.
Furthermore, areas along San Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay, and Monterey Bay will potentially encounter minor coastal flooding during high tides from Tuesday morning through Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, a quiet weather pattern is set to take over after Wednesday, ushering in a period of "quiet again after Wednesday into the weekend," according to the National Weather Service, with King Tides anticipated to arrive from December 2 to December 7; these naturally occurring, exceptionally high tides often lead to flooding in low-lying coastal areas.
Looking ahead, Bay Area residents shall brace for substantial offshore winds on Wednesday morning, which are expected to gust 25-35 mph, and could potentially reach up to 45 mph on higher ridges and through favored gaps and passes. The NWS San Francisco additionally cites "little no to clearing" for parts of the North and East Bay, maintaining temperatures comparable to the previous day, potentially a hair warmer if we're to capture a glimpse of sunlight earlier in the afternoon.
For aviation interests, the NWS also flags offshore winds prevailing supported by surface pressure gradients and nearby stratus and fog posing potential visibility issues for pilots, "Offshore winds prevail this morning supported by surface pressure gradients 7.8 mb WMC-SFO and 1 mb SAC-SFO," while adding, "low confidence on stratus and fog redevelopment tonight and Tuesday morning," which could influence flight schedules and safety precautions; mariners are likewise advised concerning moderate to fresh northerly breezes and moderate to rough seas continuing today till Tuesday, per the NWS San Francisco.
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