Issued at 940 AM PDT Wed May 20 2026
Temperatures in the lower elevations are up to 10 degrees cooler compared to this time yesterday. This is thanks to a deeper marine layer in place and lack of stronger offshore winds. Thus, maximum temperatures may be cooler than yesterday as a result. However, very dry conditions will persist in the higher terrain generally above 1,000 feet.
RGass
, Issued at 1036 PM PDT Tue May 19 2026 (Tonight through Thursday)
Little change in the forecast as high pressure slowly creeps into Northern California today. Satellite imagery this evening shows high clouds sliding down the West Coast, with much of the Bay Area likely seeing some cirrus. With the current data, temperatures look to be on track; however, if we're not able to get radiational cooling, our temperatures for tonight might be low/cool. This would be because the clouds act as blanket, allowing less heat to escape at night. It'll be something to keep an eye on over the next few hours.
In terms of Wednesday, if you guessed, "No pattern change. Ha, this means another day of warmer weather", you'd be correct! A potential fly in the ointment is if the marine layer attempts to manifest around 500 feet. This might keep temperatures a few degrees cooler along the immediate coast, but elsewhere temperatures should be similar to Tuesday, perhaps a few degrees higher.
..issued at 1036 PM PDT Tue May 19 2026 (Thursday night through next Tuesday)
No major changes to the extended forecast. Upper level troughing looks to keep hold over the western US, while the Pacific high pushes even more into northern California on Thursday. With the high being a bit more pronounced, another warm day will be on tap. After that, guidance has flow becoming quasi-zonal for a brief period before troughing returns on Friday. The marine layer looks to be around 500ft on Thursday, deepening to around 1000ft by Friday and then lasting through the weekend. With onshore flow, a deeper marine layer, and troughing through the weekend the NBM's temperatures are bit too warm. Opted to start trending towards slightly cooler temperatures given the ensembles and cluster analysis. But there is a chance ridging wins out and temperatures might warmer. Definitely something to keep an eye on over the next few days.
(18z TAFS) Issued at 1048 AM PDT Wed May 20 2026
VFR conditions prevails across our region through the day. Winds will increase locally by the afternoon and are expected to decrease overnight. High-level clouds will continue to pass in patches overhead as well. High confidence for MVFR ceilings from the coastal stratus cloud deck to push onshore impacting KHAF, KMRY, and KSNS tonight. Other sites will most likely see a few to scattered deck, if any at all.
Vicinity of SFO, VFR through the TAF period. Winds will be breezy through the afternoon with some local gusts reaching up to 20kts. Low-level stratus (SCT006) may begin to impact the terminal airspace early Thursday morning, though any developing cloud deck is expected to remain few to scattered.
SFO Bridge Approach, Similar to SFO.
Monterey Bay Terminals, VFR conditions with a gentle to moderate breeze is forecast through the afternoon and evening hours. The coastal stratus may begin its push onshore as early as 06Z, but higher confidence for it to deepen by 07-09Z Thursday resulting in IFR ceilings. Visibility may also drop to MVFR with the lower cloud deck. Conditions should shift back to MVFR-VFR by 16Z as the stratus begins to mix out of the area.
(today through Monday) Issued at 940 AM PDT Wed May 20 2026
A weak frontal boundary to the north will maintain fresh to strong northerly breezes and rough seas over the outer waters north of Pigeon Point through early Thursday. Elsewhere, moderate to fresh northerly breezes and moderate seas will prevail. Conditions improve into the weekend as seas and northwesterly breezes become moderate.
Ca, None. PZ, Small Craft Advisory until 3 PM PDT Thursday for Pt Arena to Pt Reyes 10-60 NM.
