California – Waves hammer the Pacific shoreline this morning as long-period swells send white spray over rocks near San Francisco. Roads remain dry, but beaches stay risky, with sneaker waves running far up the sand as Thanksgiving travel accelerates across the Bay Area. Anyone heading toward coastal trails, piers, or scenic outlooks should stay well back from the surf and avoid stepping onto jetties or wet rock.
According to the National Weather Service, a Beach Hazards Statement stays in effect through Monday evening, driven by a northwesterly swell that pushes breaking waves of 13 to 18 feet onto exposed beaches. Rip currents strengthen near piers and inlets, creating unexpected hazards for visitors seeking holiday photos or early-week exercise. Travelers should plan coastal stops later in the week once water conditions settle.
Skies brighten through Tuesday as high pressure reinforces calm winds and mild late-November sunshine. Highs reach the mid-60s through Wednesday, offering ideal windows for drivers crossing the Bay Bridge or navigating I-280 and US-101 toward family gatherings. To be fair, the mild stretch acts as a “winter tease,” since a major cold front sweeps across much of the country starting Thanksgiving Day—likely complicating national return travel even as the Bay Area stays mostly stable.
Thanksgiving Day turns seasonably cool with highs near 62 and crisp evening air for outdoor celebrations or early Black Friday shoppers. For now, Northern California escapes rain, frost, and early-winter snow chances, but inland valleys may feel a sharper chill this weekend.
5-DAY OUTLOOK (SAN FRANCISCO, CA)
Monday: Partly sunny, becoming sunny. High 63.
Tuesday: Sunny. High 64.
Wednesday: Sunny. High 64.
Thursday (Thanksgiving): Mostly sunny. High 62.
Friday: Mostly sunny. High 63.
