San Franciscans woke up today to the classic split-personality forecast: a cool marine layer hugging the shoreline, with temps in the upper 50s, and bright, steady sun inland, pushing neighborhoods into the mid-70s. The city is headed for a high near 76°F this afternoon, with lows settling into the mid-50s tonight. West-southwest winds will pick up throughout the day, so it will feel noticeably cooler along the coast than it does just a few miles inland.
Afternoon Heat And Breezy West Winds
Sun will dominate through the day, paired with west-southwest winds of about 3-13 mph and gusts up to 18 mph. Valley and inland areas will run warmer than much of San Francisco, and some East Bay and South Bay neighborhoods are hot enough that a Heat Advisory remains in effect through 7 PM today. Forecasters are urging residents to take it easy outside, especially in the afternoon, and to stay hydrated. For the full forecast and advisory specifics, check the National Weather Service.
Where To Cool Off
If the heat is a bit much, many San Francisco Public Library branches and city cooling centers offer air-conditioned relief. Earlier coverage has rounded up local options and linked to branch hours. Libraries and community centers are often opened or officially designated as cooling centers during hotter stretches, so it is smart to confirm hours before heading out and to move heavy outdoor chores to the morning or evening.
Night Tides Could Flood Bayshore Streets
A Coastal Flood Advisory is in place as the nightly high tides get an extra boost from a new moon and the moon’s perigee. That combination is expected to raise bay tides to about 1.8-1.9 feet above normal on some weekend nights, which is enough to flood low-lying parking lots, parks, and roads along the Bay shoreline. The National Weather Service lists expected high-tide times at the San Francisco tide gauge, including 9:34 PM today at roughly 1.6 feet above normal, 10:20 PM tomorrow at about 1.8 feet above normal, and 11:10 PM next Sunday at about 1.9 feet above normal. Drivers are urged to allow extra time, watch for flooded stretches, and skip driving through standing water. Long-period southerly swells will also bump up the risk of sneaker waves and strong rip currents at south- and southwest-facing beaches this weekend.
Plan For The Weekend
Looking ahead, expect a run of sunny afternoons with cooler, foggier mornings along the coast through the weekend. If you are planning time near the water, build the tides into your schedule, keep kids and pets well back from swollen surf lines, and double-check local advisories before you go. And if you spot water pooling on the road, treat it like a hard no rather than a shortcut.
