San Francisco woke up today to a classic two‑city split: cool, mostly sunny skies along the waterfront and noticeably warmer air inland, with highs near 69°F and lows around 54°F overnight. By afternoon, those pleasant conditions start getting shoved around by gusty west‑northwest winds that will crank up through the evening and stick around into the weekend. West‑facing beaches and small craft operators should treat the coastline with extra caution as surf and currents build.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Sustained west‑northwest winds of about 9 to 21 mph are likely across the city this afternoon, with urban gusts in the 20 to 30 mph range. According to NWS San Francisco, a Wind Advisory is in effect for the immediate coast and peninsula from 11 AM today through 5 AM tomorrow. The advisory calls for northwest winds of 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph and isolated higher gusts along exposed gaps and headlands.
That means commuters should be ready for sudden blasts of wind on bridges and along shorefront streets, and anyone at home should secure patio furniture, trash bins, and anything else that might take flight.
Beach And Marine Risks
West‑facing beaches are in the crosshairs, with very rough surf, strong rip currents, and longshore currents expected through next Monday morning. Large breaking waves and the occasional sneaker wave are likely. Offshore seas could reach around 19 feet during peak winds, and small craft, gale, and storm warnings are in effect for portions of the coastal waters.
The bottom line: stay off jetties and rocks, keep a wide distance from the surf line, and stay out of the water while conditions are this volatile.
How To Plan
If your weekend plans involve beach blankets and tide pools, this is a good time for a backup plan. Avoid beach visits and tidepooling until conditions calm, move any outdoor gatherings farther inland, and secure lightweight items before the afternoon breeze turns into something stronger. If you have to drive near the shore, be ready for sudden gusts on exposed stretches and bridges, especially if you are in a high‑profile vehicle.
Boaters should delay departures and check local marine advisories before heading out. The water will still be there when the warnings expire.
