Forecasters report that the combination of large waves and increased rip current activity will pose significant danger to swimmers, surfers and beach visitors. Even experienced ocean-goers may find conditions unpredictable as the surf continues to build in response to offshore swell patterns. Authorities advise residents and visitors to remain well back from the shoreline, avoid climbing on coastal rocks or jetties, and stay alert to rapidly changing wave behavior that can sweep individuals off beaches with little warning. Coastal travel and photography are also expected to be affected as intermittent sets of high waves reach farther up the shore than usual.
In addition to hazardous surf, the region continues to experience extensive tule fog and low stratus clouds that have lingered across the North Bay and interior East Bay. These conditions mirror those observed earlier in the week and are linked to stagnant air trapped beneath persistent high pressure. The lack of atmospheric movement has kept overnight conditions long and calm, allowing dense fog layers to persist into the morning hours. Drivers commuting through valleys and low-lying areas are likely to experience reduced visibility, prompting officials to encourage slower travel speeds, increased following distance and the use of low-beam headlights.
Despite the dramatic coastal activity and inland fog, the Bay Area is expected to remain dry through most of the weekend. However, meteorologists indicate that light rain could develop early next week as a weak system approaches the region. While no significant storm activity is currently projected, the shift could help disperse stagnant air and thin out the fog that has settled across interior valleys.
Residents planning outdoor activities, coastal visits or weekday travel are encouraged to monitor updated weather information and use caution in affected areas. Officials emphasize that hazardous surf can remain dangerous even to those who do not enter the water, and that dense fog can change driving conditions within minutes. For the latest forecasts and safety guidance, the public is urged to visit weather.gov/bayarea.
