San Francisco is stepping into the weekend with classic spring whiplash: today started in the mid‑50s and is expected to climb to around 73°F, but the sunshine comes with a catch. Winds are set to crank up through the afternoon and into the weekend, and the coast is staring down a stretch of hazardous surf. West-facing beaches and exposed coastal spots will take the brunt of it, so any plans that depend on getting close to the shoreline may need a rethink.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Winds will build this afternoon, with west-southwest breezes around 2 to 14 mph and gusts up to about 22 mph before strengthening tonight and into Saturday and next Sunday. Forecasters expect stronger north-northwest gusts over the weekend, especially along exposed coastal stretches, ridgelines, and gap areas, with locally higher gusts possible. Inland parts of the Bay Area should stay mostly sunny, but the combination of dry air and gusty winds will create elevated fire concerns.
Beach And Marine Hazards
The National Weather Service has issued a Beach Hazards Statement from this afternoon through next Monday morning, calling for very rough surf, strong rip currents, and dangerous longshore currents. The alert urges people to stay off jetties, piers, and rocks and to stay out of the water entirely. "NEVER turn your back on the ocean," the agency warns, according to NWS San Francisco. Boaters are advised to pay close attention to gale warnings and small craft advisories in effect for many coastal waters, with seas expected to be steep and driven by strong winds.
What To Expect This Weekend
Storm-driven seas are forecast in the open ocean and Monterey Bay, with a mix of surf and wind-driven waves. Seas are expected to reach roughly 12 to 19 feet at times, with gale-force gusts offshore.
How To Stay Safe
Give the ocean extra space this weekend. Stay well back from the surf line, avoid jetties and rocks, and do not enter the water. Check updated forecasts and marine advisories before heading toward the coast, and consider shifting any shoreline plans inland until conditions calm down.
