San Francisco is waking up foggy and around 56 degrees Wednesday, but Veterans Day will turn mostly sunny and unusually warm, with temperatures reaching 73. The holiday calm will be brief: rain, coastal flooding concerns and dangerous surf are all expected to build by late Thursday and Friday.
A Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect through 9 a.m., with visibility potentially dropping to a quarter-mile or less around San Francisco and the Bay shoreline. The National Weather Service advises drivers to slow down, use headlights and leave extra distance, while the fog should give way to sunshine by late morning.
Warm Holiday Gives Way To A Wet Commute
Thursday will stay mild, reaching about 71 degrees under partly sunny skies, while clouds thicken ahead of a cold front expected to bring rain Friday. Winds are expected to shift southerly Thursday. Friday is expected to bring rain, with the bulk more likely from late morning through afternoon, a high near 67 and rainfall totals between one-third and one-half inch in San Francisco.
The forecast sharpens the shift outlined in Hoodline's Tuesday outlook, with the main rain window now focused on Friday and another round expected Sunday into Monday. Saturday may bring a break at times, but showers remain possible and temperatures will stay in the 60s.
High Tides And Bigger Waves Along The Coast
A Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect through 4 p.m. Friday for low-lying areas near San Francisco Bay and tidal waterways. Up to 1.5 feet of surge could enhance the astronomical tide, while Hoodline reports flooding of up to 1.6 feet above ground level. The San Francisco gauge is expected to reach high tide around 11:35 a.m. Wednesday, about 1.4 feet above normal, with similarly elevated tides Thursday and Friday.
Drivers should allow extra time near waterfront roads, avoid barricades and never drive through water of unknown depth. The advisory warns that flooding could affect low-lying infrastructure, while rising water may contribute to isolated road closures and coastal erosion.
Beach conditions become especially dangerous Wednesday night, when a Beach Hazards Statement begins for sneaker waves, strong rip currents and breaking waves of 15 to 20 feet. A High Surf Warning takes effect Friday evening through early Sunday, with breaking waves potentially reaching 20 to 30 feet; people should stay out of the water and off jetties, piers, rocks and other shoreline infrastructure.
Rain Lingers Into Early Next Week
Saturday brings a chance of light rain and a high near 64, followed by likely rain Sunday with a high around 62. Rain may continue into early next week.
