San Francisco woke up cool and mostly clear today, with early morning temperatures hovering near 50°F. Under plenty of sunshine, those readings are expected to climb into the upper 60s to near 70°F this afternoon, with inland areas running a few degrees warmer. A brief burst of gusty offshore winds is also in the mix through early Friday, mainly targeting the usual hilltops and gap areas.
Afternoon Winds Crank Up
North to northwest winds are forecast to ramp up across the Bay Area this afternoon, generally around 5-10 mph at street level, with stronger gusts over exposed ridges and passes. Forecasters note that isolated gusts on the highest peaks could approach 50 mph, although widespread damaging winds are not expected at lower elevations. Aviation terminals may deal with stronger crosswinds near sunset before the low-level flow eases later in the evening, according to the National Weather Service.
Sunny, Warmer Friday Kicks Off The Weekend
Once the offshore wind surge backs off, a ridge is set to bring lighter winds and seasonably warm conditions tomorrow and Saturday. Highs should range from the upper 60s to the low 70s across the city, with warmer readings inland. Friday in particular is shaping up to be prime time for outdoor plans, with plenty of sun and milder overnight lows for most neighborhoods. Along the shoreline, it will still run cooler, so it is worth keeping a jacket handy.
Small Craft Advisories For Boaters
Small Craft Advisories are posted for portions of Monterey Bay and several coastal zones from 3 PM to 9 PM PDT today, with some offshore advisories stretching into the early morning hours tomorrow. Mariners can expect choppy seas, around 10-12 feet in the outer waters, along with gusty winds on the water. Less experienced boaters are urged to stay in protected harbors or hold off on trips. Check the latest marine statements before heading out, according to the National Weather Service marine forecasts.
Rain Chances Sneak Back Sunday
By Sunday, the pattern looks to turn more unsettled, with a chance of light rain and showers that could linger next Monday and Tuesday, April 20-21. The timing and amounts are still uncertain, so treat plans after Saturday with a bit of caution and keep an eye on updated forecasts. For day-to-day planning: enjoy Friday for outdoor activities, secure loose patio items in hilltop neighborhoods, and move around the bay waters cautiously through Thursday night.
