San Francisco starts Sunday with clear conditions and below-normal temperatures, with a high near 69 degrees. Westerly winds will strengthen through the afternoon, reaching about 15 to 16 mph with gusts up to 24 mph. The bigger concern is along the Pacific Coast, where hazardous surf conditions are expected through Monday night.
Sunny Sunday, Breezy By Afternoon
The city should stay dry and sunny for most of Sunday, while afternoon winds make exposed areas feel cooler than the thermometer suggests. Sunday night will bring overnight wind, with stratus conditions uncertain.
A Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect through Monday night, according to the National Weather Service. Long-period swell could produce sneaker waves, strong rip currents and breaking waves around 10 feet along Pacific Coast beaches.
Labor Day Starts A Bay Area Warmup
Monday brings sunny skies and a high near 76 degrees, followed by a warming trend expected to peak Wednesday and Thursday.
Temperatures should trend cooler late in the week and into the weekend. Light rain showers from remnant tropical moisture are possible Tuesday through Friday, though the forecast has trended drier.
Beachgoers Urged To Stay Out Of The Water
Officials are urging people to remain out of the water and stay off jetties, piers, rocks and other shoreline infrastructure while the swell continues. Anyone visiting the coast should never turn their back on the ocean, as sneaker waves can surge much farther up the beach than expected.
The forecast also calls for a brief period of possible minor flooding in the lowest-lying Marin bayshore areas near Sunday evening's high tide, expected around 7:53 p.m. According to an SF.gov flood-planning document, a 77-inch increase in water levels would significantly flood portions of Treasure Island, SOMA, Mission Bay and the Marina. NOAA Tides and Currents reports a relative sea level trend of 1.99 millimeters/year, with a 95% confidence interval of +/- 0.17 mm/yr based on monthly mean sea level data. The safest bet this holiday weekend is to enjoy the coastline from a safe distance and let the waves have the dramatic entrance.
