San Jose started today under clear skies and a cool 57°F around 6 AM, a calm beginning to what will be a mostly sunny day with a high near 84°F. By this afternoon, expect gusty northwest winds and hazardous surf along Pacific-facing beaches, which will persist through midweek. Coastal fog should lift by late morning while inland valleys climb into the 80s, and nights hold mostly in the upper 50s to low 60s, so outdoor plans may need to flex a bit as conditions swing between the coast and the interior.
Afternoon Winds, Sneaker Waves And Fire Weather
Breezy onshore flow is set to ramp up through this afternoon and evening, with northwest winds generally 2 to 12 mph and inland gusts up to about 21 mph. Stronger gusts will funnel through coastal gaps, and some exposed coastal and airport locations could see gusts near 30 knots. A long-period southerly swell is driving sneaker waves, strong rip currents and breaking waves up to 10 feet at south- and southwest-facing beaches, and those hazardous surf conditions are expected to continue through Wednesday afternoon.
Higher elevations, especially the Diablo and Santa Lucia ranges, will face poor overnight humidity recovery and very dry fuels, with Energy Release Component values forecast to climb above the 95th percentile, indicating an elevated fire-weather threat. These details and current advisories come from the National Weather Service.
What This Means For Your Plans
Plan on layers for cool mornings at the coast and a light jacket for those breezy evenings, and remember that crosswinds can hassle cyclists and high-profile vehicles on bridges and other exposed routes. If you head to the beach, stay well back from the surf line, avoid jetties and rocks, and swim only where lifeguards are on duty, since sneaker waves can slam the shore even when everything looks calm.
Marine And Boating Outlook
Small craft advisories remain in effect for Monterey Bay and parts of the nearshore waters, and a gale warning covers portions of the central coast offshore through tomorrow, with seas trending rougher into midweek. Recreational boaters are urged to consider delaying open-ocean trips or stick to sheltered harbors until conditions ease, and to check official marine products before launching. For the latest watches and warnings, consult the National Weather Service.
