San Jose woke up to clear skies and cool air today, with early temperatures in the low 60s. The day is set to turn warm and bright, with a sunny afternoon and a high near 82°F, while northwest winds ramp up and gusts climb into the low 20s.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Northwest breezes will build through the afternoon, with sustained winds of about 3 to 12 mph and gusts up to 22 mph in more exposed spots. The National Weather Service expects these onshore winds each afternoon and evening through the weekend, which could make evenings around the bay noticeably breezier than inland valleys. If you have outdoor plans or a late commute, plan for a bit of wind assistance.
Coastal Danger: Sneaker Waves and Rip Currents
Out at the Pacific-facing beaches, things get a lot less mellow. A Beach Hazards Statement is in effect from this morning through next Tuesday afternoon as a long-period southwesterly swell moves in. That swell can send breaking waves up to about 10 feet at some south and southwest facing spots, including Santa Cruz, Pacifica, Stinson, and Ocean Beach. Those bigger sets can drive strong rip currents and the kind of sneaker waves that roll in during what looks like a calm stretch.
Per the National Weather Service beach hazards statement, stay well back from the waterline, skip jetties and rocks, and swim only where lifeguards are present.
Boaters and Ocean Users
Small craft advisories are posted for Monterey Bay and portions of the nearshore waters, and a gale warning covers parts of the central coast offshore through early next Monday. Expect choppy seas and strong northwest winds on the water. Recreational boaters should consider delaying trips or sticking to more sheltered harbors.
For anyone staying on shore, keep a safe distance from breaking surf and follow all instructions from lifeguards or local park staff. That photo from the rocks is not worth a surprise wave.
Weekend Snapshot
Temperatures stay close to seasonal norms through early next week, then slowly warm later in the week with an increasing chance of moderate inland heat by next weekend. Nights will remain cool, with lows in the upper 50s, so bring layers if you are heading to the coast or planning to be outside after sunset.
