San Francisco rolled in today under mostly cloudy skies and temperatures in the low 50s, with a thin band of low-level moisture lingering just enough to spit out light drizzle during the morning commute. A quick-moving cold front is sliding through and is expected to clear the region by late morning, opening the door for stronger northwest winds behind it.
Afternoon Winds and Marine Conditions
On the backside of the front, northwest to west-northwest winds are forecast to ramp up to about 8–15 mph across the city, with gusts commonly reaching 25 mph and locally stronger along exposed shorelines and ridge tops. Around SFO and other wind-prone terminals, gusts could top out near 35 knots, roughly 40 mph, which could make bridge driving, high-profile vehicles, and flights a bit of a handful this afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service. Out on the water, mariners should brace for building seas, with forecasters calling for very rough conditions and wave heights up to 12–15 feet on Thursday and Friday.
What To Expect On Water And Roads
If your plans involved taking a small boat out on the bay, this is the week to think twice. Small Craft Advisories and Gale Warnings are posted across much of the central coast through the end of the week, and conditions will be hazardous for smaller vessels. Check carrier service alerts, for example, Golden Gate Ferry service alerts, before you travel, and take extra care on bridge approaches and other exposed roadways when the gusts peak.
Weekend Outlook
After Friday, winds are expected to shift offshore, ushering in warmer, drier weather for the weekend. Afternoon highs will likely climb into the 70s for many inland locations and even some coastal spots, according to the National Weather Service. With clearer skies, morning lows will drop into the 40s, so expect a sharp day-to-night temperature swing if you have early outdoor plans. Forecast timing and strength could still shuffle a bit as the offshore gradient evolves, so it is worth keeping an eye on updates.
