San Francisco woke up today wrapped in a thick marine layer, cool and damp along the Pacific, with patchy drizzle, while inland neighborhoods hovered in the mid-60s. Highs this afternoon should still top out near 67°F before slipping a few degrees later in the day. A new Beach Hazards Statement covers Pacific-facing beaches beginning Saturday, June 27, and continuing through 5:00 AM PDT Wednesday, July 1, which makes coastal plans a risky bet into next week.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
West winds are set to ramp up today and continue tomorrow, generally 10 to 22 mph with frequent gusts into the mid 20s and gusts as high as 32 mph in exposed spots. Certain east-west mountain passes could top 50+ mph. The marine layer is deepening, bringing patchy drizzle this morning and a mostly cloudy tomorrow, with highs near the mid 60s today and only the 50s to low 60s along the immediate coast on Saturday.
Small Craft Advisories, Gale Watches and Warnings, and other marine notices are posted across the coastal waters, and the Beach Hazards Statement runs from tomorrow morning through 5:00 AM next Wednesday, July 1, because a long-period southerly swell will produce sneaker waves and strong rip currents. Mariners, ferry riders and anyone with coastal plans should expect rough seas and hazardous surf, according to NWS San Francisco.
Beaches And Boaters
The surf will be the real show this weekend, but in the kind of way that has lifeguards on edge. Sneaker waves can surge up the beach with little warning, and strong rip currents are likely on south and southwest-facing shores. Lifeguards and park officials are urging people to stay off jetties, piers and rocks, and to avoid entering the water where a lifeguard is not present. Even experienced swimmers can be pulled out by a sudden rip or a large run-up.
What To Watch
If you have beach plans, consider moving them inland or choosing a waterfront park with higher vantage points, and keep gear secured since gusts can send chairs and umbrellas skittering into the street. Boaters should heed posted marine notices and avoid exposed waters until conditions ease, and anyone traveling on ferries should allow extra time. Check tide and surf forecasts before heading out.
Expect a gradual warming trend later next week as the marine layer thins, but the immediate weekend will be cool and blustery near the water.
