San Francisco rolled into Monday under a chilly blanket of patchy fog around 48°F, and forecasters say the real action is at the shoreline. Dangerous surf along the open ocean and possible minor bay flooding around today's high tide are on tap, even as the morning marine layer is expected to thin by midmorning. Once the fog peels back, the city should see a mostly sunny afternoon with highs near 65°F. Drivers along the Embarcadero and low-lying North Bay roads should be ready for short-lived ponding during the late-morning tide window.
Beach Hazards Through Tonight
A Beach Hazards Statement from the National Weather Service warns of sneaker waves and strong rip currents, with breaking waves of 14 to 19 feet expected along the Pacific Coast through 9 p.m. Monday. Forecasters are urging people to stay out of the water and to steer clear of rocks, jetties, and piers, where a surprise surge can knock even seasoned locals off their feet.
Minor Bay Flooding Near High Tide
A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for bayshore locations around the late-morning high tide. Low-lying parking lots, parks, and some roads along San Pablo Bay and the Embarcadero could see brief, shallow flooding. Officials recommend checking local tide predictions before parking or walking near the waterfront. NOAA's tide tables show a notably high midday tide in San Francisco, which bumps up the flood risk, according to NOAA Tides & Currents.
Fog, Temperatures And The Week Ahead
Patchy fog should lift by midmorning, giving way to sunshine, light northwest winds, and highs in the mid 60s. Inland valleys are expected to run a few degrees warmer through midweek. A ridge of high pressure will keep conditions dry and slightly above normal through Wednesday, with only modest chances for rain returning late this weekend.
What To Watch And How To Stay Safe
On the roads, use low-beam headlights in the fog, slow down, and build in extra commute time, especially on exposed bridges. Along the coast, stay off jetties and piers, keep a wide buffer from the surf line and follow any posted warnings. Boaters should heed any small craft advisories that are in effect and wait for seas to calm before heading out.
