San Francisco, CA – The Pacific roars this morning, sending white-capped swells crashing against the California coast from Point Reyes to Big Sur. Winds are calm, skies are clear, but the ocean itself is turning dangerous — a reminder that winter’s Pacific power doesn’t always announce itself with storms.
The National Weather Service in San Francisco has issued a Beach Hazards Statement in effect through Friday evening, warning of 12–16-foot breaking waves and strong rip currents along the Bay Area coastline. Meteorologists say the combination of a long-period westerly swell and high surf could produce sneaker waves that rush farther up beaches than expected, especially near Rodeo Beach, Ocean Beach, and Half Moon Bay.
“Even in calm weather, these swells pack a punch,” officials noted. “Never turn your back to the ocean.” Rip currents are strongest near jetties, inlets, and piers — areas where water funnels back to sea with surprising speed.
Conditions remain mostly sunny and mild inland, with weekend highs reaching the low 60s across San Francisco and the upper 50s along the immediate coast. Light morning fog may drift in by Sunday before a wetter pattern returns early next week.
Five-Day Outlook (San Francisco, CA)
- Friday: Sunny, high 57°F, low 45°F.
- Saturday: Sunny, high 61°F, low 48°F.
- Sunday: Patchy fog early, high 60°F, low 48°F.
- Monday: Partly sunny, chance of rain, high 61°F.
- Tuesday: Chance of rain, high 61°F.
