The National Weather Service in San Francisco has issued a forecast indicating a return to warm, dry weather and weak offshore flow starting today and lasting into the early weekend. Along with the pleasant weather, beachgoers should be cautious as a "Beach Hazards Statement" has been announced due to an increased risk of sneaker waves. While the current conditions seem mild, minor King Tide coastal flooding is possible from Friday through Sunday, according to the NWS San Francisco.
In more detail, the short-term forecast suggests that light rain along a weakening cold front across the Bay Area will end soon, with little additional accumulation expected. The dry spell is due to a building ridge bringing weak offshore flow, with temperatures expected to tick up a few degrees area wide, but come nightfall, the thermometer will likely drop to the upper 30s to mid 40s thanks to clear skies and efficient radiational cooling, and while the long-term outlook continues to suggest stable, pleasant weather through Saturday any upcoming rain late Saturday into Sunday should have minimal impact, focusing primarily in the North Bay.
Regarding aviation, the latest NWS report indicates a mix of low to high flight restrictions due to passing rain showers and a cold front, with the potential for fog affecting the North Bay later tonight; current confidence in this prediction remains low. For the San Francisco International Airport, MVFR conditions are expected to improve to VFR by the afternoon as the weather clears up.
For those venturing out to sea, mariners should note that gentle to moderate northerly breezes will persist through Friday, shifting to southerly breezes over the weekend. Moderate seas will build today and are expected to become increasingly turbulent, especially in the northern waters by tomorrow. Beach conditions are expected to become hazardous from tonight through Friday morning, with long-period westerly swells resulting in breaking waves 14 to 19 feet high. The Beach Hazards Statement warns of sneaker waves and strong rip currents; therefore, people are advised to stay off jetties, piers, rocks, and other coastal structures, and to always keep an eye on the ocean.
