San Francisco woke up under a classic cool marine layer today, with the coast sitting in the mid‑50s and inland spots expected to climb only into the upper 60s by afternoon. Officials are warning that sneaker waves, strong rip currents and minor high‑tide flooding will turn simple beach trips into risky business through next week.
Beach And Tide Risks
A Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect through tomorrow afternoon, and a Coastal Flood Advisory is posted from 4 PM today through 4 AM next Thursday. According to the National Weather Service, the San Francisco tidal gauge is expected to hit high tide near 7:25 PM today at about 1.1 feet above normal, with even higher night tides later in the week that could push water into low‑lying lots, parks and roadways. Beachgoers are urged to stay off jetties, piers and rocks and to avoid driving through standing water.
Afternoon Winds And Marine Conditions
Skies should clear to mostly sunny by late morning with highs near 67–70°F. West‑southwest winds of 5–13 mph will pick up in the afternoon, with gusts up to about 20–22 mph at exposed spots and bridge crossings. Offshore, seas will remain rough, around 9–11 feet in many areas, and breaking surf up to 10 feet will make getting back to shore tricky and potentially dangerous. Small Craft Advisories are posted, so recreational boaters are urged to delay non‑essential trips, and anyone on the shoreline should keep well back from the water’s edge.
Weekend Outlook
Warmer, drier weather hangs on through the weekend, with inland neighborhoods topping out in the 70s. Late this weekend into early next week, there is a low‑confidence chance of high‑based thunderstorms and elevated fire‑weather concerns. If storms do develop, dry lightning and gusty outflow winds would be the main hazards for inland hills.
What To Do
If you are planning to be near the water this evening or over the weekend, move vehicles out of low‑lying lots, map out alternate coastal routes and watch for lifeguard advisories and road closures during the evening high tides.
