San Francisco rolled out of bed today to low-50s temperatures and thick pockets of fog clinging to the coast and bayshore. Expect a gray, damp start with lingering low clouds and a slight shot at drizzle before mid-morning, then a return to sunshine later in the day as onshore breezes kick in and keep neighborhoods near the water feeling noticeably cooler.
Morning Fog and Patchy Drizzle
A Dense Fog Advisory is posted through 9 AM for parts of the Central Coast and Monterey Bay, with areas of dense fog expected to hang around through mid-morning, according to the National Weather Service San Francisco. There is a slight chance of pre-dawn drizzle, and visibility should steadily improve by late morning as the marine layer begins to mix out.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Onshore west-southwest winds are expected to ramp up this afternoon, running roughly 5 to 13 mph along the shoreline, with gusts up to about 18 mph possible. Inland spots will run warmer and feel less breezy, while exposed stretches like the Embarcadero and the Great Highway take the brunt of the gusts, so it is a good day to secure lightweight outdoor items before they go rolling down the block.
What To Expect This Week
Highs should land near 68°F today, then climb to around 74°F tomorrow before a trough moves in late Friday and shaves about 5 to 10 degrees off afternoon temperatures for the weekend. The pattern stays dry overall, although the nightly coastal fog routine and spotty early-morning drizzle could easily make a comeback.
Travel and Outdoor Tips
Morning fog can chop visibility on bridges and bay approaches and slow down commutes, so use low beams, give yourself extra time, and be ready for sudden pockets of dense fog. If you are catching a flight, check your departure before heading out, since low ceilings at SFO can trigger instrument approaches and possible delays. You can monitor arrivals and departures on the San Francisco International Airport flight status page.
Boaters and Beachgoers
Mariners should keep an eye on the forecast, as small craft advisories and a gale watch are possible for offshore waters starting Wednesday, with seas expected to build later in the week. Beachgoers are urged to steer clear of strong rip currents at exposed beaches and to follow any posted warnings or directions from local authorities.
