San Francisco woke up today to a cool start, with neighborhoods near the bay sitting around 50°F under partly cloudy skies. The marine layer is expected to thin through the morning, giving way to mostly sunny conditions and a high near 65°F. It may look pleasant, but breezy west winds this afternoon will make hilltops and exposed bridge approaches feel a bit fiercer than the thermometer suggests.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
West winds will strengthen into the afternoon, generally in the 5 to 14 mph range with gusts up to 21 mph, while higher terrain in the North Bay and East Bay Hills could see offshore gusts up to about 40 mph. These stronger winds are expected from Wednesday afternoon through early Friday morning and will be most intense at higher elevations. Out on the water, coastal seas will build to a rough 10 to 12 feet, and Small Craft Advisories are posted for several stretches of the central coast, according to the National Weather Service.
Boaters And Ferry Riders
Small-boat operators are urged to steer clear of exposed waters where advisories are in effect, and anyone planning a ferry trip should check carrier alerts before heading for the terminal. Golden Gate Ferry provides up-to-date service alerts and schedule changes, and regular riders may want to sign up for notifications. On land, it is a good day to secure loose patio furniture and use extra caution on bridge approaches where gusts tend to hit hardest.
Weekend Outlook
Temperatures trend warmer Friday and Saturday, with highs near 70 to 71°F across the city and inland spots nudging a little higher. A change in the pattern late Sunday brings a chance of light rain into early next week, and forecasters say confidence is increasing that the area will see beneficial rainfall beginning Sunday. If you have outdoor plans later in the weekend, keep an umbrella handy and check updated forecasts in case the timing shifts, according to the National Weather Service.
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