Swell Matrix

Area Forecast Discussion

National Weather Service San Francisco CA

1255 pm PST Wed Nov 4 2026

Short Term

, Issued at 1251 PM PST Wed Nov 4 2026 (This evening through Thursday night)

Low pressure continues to gradually progress southwards along the California Coast with the center passing by the Monterey/SLO County line this afternoon. Ridging rebuilds over California tonight into tomorrow which will bring a return of warmer temperatures. The initial ridge is moderated by a weak shortwave trough that pushes inland and deepens over Southern California. For us, that means high temperatures only warm a few degrees on Thursday with highs climbing back into the upper 60s to mid 70s across the interior and 60s along the coast. This is seasonal to slightly above normal (5 degrees) for early November. Morning low temperatures will be in the 40s across the interior and low 50s across the higher elevations. Expect overcast skies returning by late this evening and continuing through late Thursday morning. Dry conditions continue through the duration of the forecast period. Diurnally breezy conditions with gusts peaking between 20-30 mph continue during the afternoon/evening for mountain gap/passes (Salinas Valley, Altamont Pass), the higher elevations, and along the coast.

A combination of high astronomical tides and thermal expansion due to El Nino will result in coastal flooding concerns across Bayshore locations across the San Francisco, San Pablo, and Monterey Bays. At the San Francisco tidal gauge, high tide is expected to be 1.3 ft above normal (7.1 ft MLLW) at 8:35 AM Thursday 11/5, including 1.2 ft of surge residual that will enhance the astronomical tide and flooding threat. High tide varies up to 90 minutes earlier or later along the Pacific Coast and through the San Francisco Bay, respectively. Hazardous beach conditions are expected Thursday through Saturday due to an active sea state. A Beach Hazards

Long Term

..issued at 1251 PM PST Wed Nov 4 2026 (Friday through next Tuesday)

Ridging dominates much of the upcoming long term forecast with a warming trend and return of above normal temperatures anticipated. High temperatures warm into the mid to upper 70s with pockets on low 80s across the warmest locations (interior Central Coast, southern Santa Clara Valley). This is around 10 degrees above normal for this time of year. Temperatures remain consistent through early to mid next week when we see our first indication that troughing/unsettled weather are returning. Tuesday to Wednesday looks to be a transition day with ridging exiting east and troughing building in. This will bring cooler, more seasonal temperatures back with highs dropping into the 60s to low 70s Tuesday and Wednesday. Ensembles are in favor of rain returning and continuing through mid to late month. With a wetter second half of the month possible, now would be a good time to ensure your gutters are cleared out, outdoor items are secured, and any other winter preparations are completed.

Coastal flooding concerns continue through Monday with the combination of high astronomical tides and thermal expansion surge resulting in minor flooding in Bayshore locations along the San Francisco, San Pablo, and Monterey Bays. At the San Francisco tidal gauge, high tide is expected to be 1.4 ft above normal (7.2 ft MLLW) at 9:08 AM Friday 11/6, 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 9:38 AM Saturday 11/7, 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 10:06 AM Sunday 11/8, and 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 10:35 AM Monday 11/9. These predictions include up to 1.2 ft of surge that will enhance the astronomical tide and flooding threat. High tide varies up to 90 minutes earlier or later along the Pacific Coast and through the San Francisco Bay, respectively. In addition, long- period swell Thursday through Saturday will create hazardous conditions along the Pacific coast beaches with an increased risk of sneaker waves and rip currents.

Aviation

(18z TAFS) Issued at 951 AM PST Wed Nov 4 2026

Any fog or stratus from the overnight hours will continue to dissipate over the next couple of hours. Then VFR conditions will prevail with weak offshore flow becoming onshore with perhaps some gusts to 15 to 25 kt at times. High clouds look to move in later this afternoon and into the evening hours, which may linger to the overnight. Light offshore flow or variable winds are expected as well.

Vicinity of SFO, Offshore winds should prevail for a couple of hours this morning with onshore winds returning by the afternoon. Winds should increase to around 10-15kt and bring gusts up to 20- 22kt through the early evening. Winds decrease and become light and offshore overnight. VFR conditions expected.

SFO Bridge Approach, Similar to SFO.

Monterey Bay Terminals, Weak offshore flow will become onshore this afternoon, with high clouds moving late this afternoon and evening. Later tonight, light offshore flow returns while VFR conditions prevail.

Marine

(today through Monday) Issued at 919 AM PST Wed Nov 4 2026

Quiet weather on tap for the rest of the week high pressure building into the region. Winds will become northerly by the afternoon hours. Moderate to rough seas prevail through the weekend. Dry conditions expected today into early next week.

Beaches

Issued at 329 AM PST Wed Nov 4 2026

Hazardous beach conditions will be present at Pacific Coast beaches Thursday through Saturday as long period (14-18 second) westerly/northwesterly swell will bring an increased risk for sneaker waves and strong rip currents with breaking waves of 12 to 16 feet. Waves can sweep across the shoreline without warning, pulling people into the sea from beaches, jetties, and rocks. Stay off of jetties, piers, rocks, and other waterside infrastructure. Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous surf and never turn your back on the ocean! Hazardous beach conditions may linger into Sunday and Monday and thus may warrant an extension of the Beach Hazards Statement.

Sarment

Watches, Warnings, Advisories

Ca, Coastal Flood Advisory until 1 PM PST Monday for CAZ006-506-508- 530.

Beach Hazards Statement from late tonight through Saturday evening for CAZ006-505-509-529-530.

PZ, Small Craft Advisory until 3 PM PST Thursday for Pt Arena to Pt Reyes 0-10 nm.

Small Craft Advisory until 9 PM PST this evening for Pigeon Pt to Pt Pinos 0-10 nm-Pt Pinos to Pt Piedras Blancas 0-10 nm- Pt Reyes to Pigeon Pt 0-10 nm.

Small Craft Advisory until 3 PM PST Thursday for Pigeon Pt to Pt Pinos 10-60 NM-Pt Arena to Pt Reyes 10-60 NM.

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