textproduct: San Francisco Bay Area

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 1225 PM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

- Cooler and more humid conditions through early next week

- The marine layer prevails through the weekend

SHORT TERM

Issued at 1225 PM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026 (This evening through Saturday night)

A marine layer around 1,200 feet in depth resulted in inland intrusion of stratus overnight. That said, current satellite trends are show these clouds doing their typical afternoon retreat to the coast. Afternoon temperatures will be as much as 10 deg F below seasonal average, especially in the lower elevations.

Overnight, expecting stratus to return to the coast this evening and penetrate into the inland valleys into early Saturday morning. This is typical for the month of July. Once low clouds retreat back to the coast by mid-to-late morning on Saturday, mostly sunny skies are forecast for the afternoon highs again slightly below average. Rise and repeat for Saturday night.

LONG TERM

Issued at 1225 PM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026 (Sunday through next Thursday)

Still keeping an eye on conditions late this weekend into early next week as there is some uncertainty with regards to the placement of the ridge to the east and troughing to the west. The location of these feature will ultimately drive how much mid-to- upper level moisture we receive from the tropics and monsoon. We will continue to monitor this moisture and Convection-Allowing Models (CAMs) over the weekend to see if their are any singles for convection. Be sure to check back for the latest forecast information.

AVIATION

(06Z TAFS) Issued at 948 PM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

MVFR-IFR conditions across the interior with the potential for fog and LIFR conditions directly along the coast. Stratus is expected to fill in across the region over the next 2-3 hours with patchy stratus potentially reaching LVK during the early morning hours. Highest confidence in MVFR CIGs across the region due to the depth of the marine layer but models indicate IFR conditions may be possible later tonight. Fog is possible along the coast with the potential for dense fog to form. Expect interior clearing by mid to late morning with clouds sticking around longer along the coast. Diurnally breezy winds continue during the afternoon/evening with lighter winds overnight.

Vicinity of SFO...MVFR-IFR conditions overnight. Stratus will remain in place over SFO through mid to late morning with a low potential for fog to develop during the early morning hours. Breezy afternoon/evening winds before an early return of stratus during the evening hours.

SFO Bridge Approach...Stratus is taking longer to fill in over the bay than over OAK or SFO. Guidance indicates stratus should fill in over the SFO bridge approach by the early morning hours then clear by mid/late morning.

Monterey Bay Terminals...IFR-LIFR conditions possible overnight. High resolution guidance highlights the potential for reduced visibilities and fog tonight with fog more likely after 12Z. TAFs are more optimistic with clearing between 18-20Z but there is some uncertainty as to it MRY will clear. Breezy afternoon/evening onshore winds continue before weakening overnight.

MARINE

(Tonight through next Thursday) Issued at 948 PM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026

Winds have eased across the coastal waters with occasional fresh to strong gusts possible across the far northern outer waters and along the Big Sur coast through early Saturday. Moderate seas and moderate winds continue through midweek. Southerly swell will increase along the coast next week due to Tropical Storm Elida moving northwards in the eastern Pacific.

MTR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

CA...None. PZ...Small Craft Advisory until 3 AM PDT Saturday for Pt Arena to Pt Reyes 10-60 NM-Pt Pinos to Pt Piedras Blancas 0-10 nm.