textproduct: San Francisco Bay Area

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 113 PM PDT Mon Mar 23 2026

- Above normal temperatures will persist through the week into the weekend

- Dry weather through 7 day outlook; potential for light rain beginning of April

SHORT TERM

Issued at 113 PM PDT Mon Mar 23 2026 (This evening through Tuesday)

The heat wave is over but temperatures continue to run 10-15 degrees today, some elevated interior locations may see highs 20 degrees above normal by the end of the afternoon. The ridge that brought the record breaking heat last week has shifted to the southeast over the desert southwest, however it continues dominate our pattern and daily forecast. The ridge axis will continue to build back up over California for the remainder of today and tonight, then pivot eastward Tuesday. Tuesday will be slightly warmer than today, but barely noticeable. Overnight lows will also run 5-10 degrees above normal for most locations, tonight and through the remainder of the extended forecast. The stable environment will provide pleasant weather with mostly clear skies, especially away from the coast. Weak onshore flow will result in pockets of marine stratus overnight along the coast, but will struggle to move very far inland with the ridge still firmly in control.

LONG TERM

Issued at 113 PM PDT Mon Mar 23 2026 (Tuesday night through next Sunday)

A progressive trough will weaken the western periphery of the H50 height field through the middle of the week, with only slight declines in daytime highs Wednesday and Thursday. The marine layer quickly increase late Tuesday night through Wednesday morning as the progressive trough tracks inland. The ridge rebounds on Thursday and starts to build back offshore bringing back warmer temperatures and compressing the marine layer once again Friday. The offshore troughing expected as the longwave pattern becomes more amplified will result in the reemergence of the marine layer over the weekend into next week. There is a signal for some rainfall the first half of next week, but confidence is low that it will bring much in the way of wetting rainfall for our area.

AVIATION

(18Z TAFS) Issued at 1055 AM PDT Mon Mar 23 2026

Quiet conditions as TAF sites generally report VFR conditions. Along the coast, at sites like KHAF, haze and mist will lead to visibility bouncing between VFR and MVFR. Expect these conditions to continue through the afternoon and evening. There is another weak signal for patchy valley fog tomorrow morning. Opted to hint at this for KSTS only with it likely mixing out between 14-16Z.

Vicinity of SFO...Winds will become onshore this afternoon and peak during the late afternoon and early evening hours. Sustained speeds will be around 15kt with gusts up to 20-25kt possible. Winds ease overnight, with light and variable winds being possible shortly after sunrise. Gusty onshore winds return tomorrow afternoon.

SFO Bridge Approach...Similar to SFO.

Monterey Bay Terminals...Quiet weather is on tap, with winds gradually becoming onshore this afternoon. Winds look to become lighter overnight and may even be variable at times. VFR conditions will prevail through the period.

MARINE

(Tonight through next Saturday) Issued at 113 PM PDT Mon Mar 23 2026

A moderate NW breeze will prevail today before decreasing to gentle Tuesday. Conditions will deteriorate through the day Wednesday as a strong to near gale force northerly breeze develops, building very rough seas of 12-17 feet across exposed waters by Thursday morning.

MTR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

CA...None. PZ...Small Craft Advisory from 3 PM to 9 PM PDT Tuesday for Pt Pinos to Pt Piedras Blancas 0-10 nm.