High Heat, Dangerous Waves Forecast In The Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO — Bay Area forecasters are warning of a dual threat this week as temperatures surge and surf conditions rapidly deteriorate, creating serious dangers for beachgoers looking to escape the heat.

"A robust area of high pressure will transit the area this week bringing a sharp mid-October warm-up, peaking [Wednesday and Thursday]," NWS Bay Area wrote in a briefing Monday. "At the same time, a large swell from the west-northwest will impact area beaches with sneaker waves and high surf. The combination of the two events along the coast will pose a serious threat to life for those visiting beaches exposed to the open Pacific."

According to the National Weather Service, afternoon highs will range from the high 70s to high 80s for most of the region by Wednesday afternoon, with a few hotspots like Gilroy and Cloverdale likely to break into the 90s. Temps will continue to climb Thursday, approaching 90 degrees in San Francisco, while many inland communities warm further. Minor to moderate heat risks will be present across the Bay Area.

A heat advisory will be in place for much of the Bay Area from 11 p.m. Wednesday to 11 p.m. Thursday.

For coastal waters and beaches, forecasters are warning swimmers, surfers and mariners that potentially life-threatening hazards are expected over several days, including sneaker waves, rip currents and high surf.

"A long period northwest swell will arrive for mid to late week," NWS Bay Area wrote Tuesday. "This will bring hazardous conditions for beachgoers in the form of sneaker waves and large surf. An enhanced risk for rip currents will also exist. Conditions will deteriorate on Wednesday with the peak of the wave activity arriving on Thursday. High surf will persist into Friday before subsiding. Use extreme caution and remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions. Remember to never turn your back on the ocean."

Forecasters said surf on well-exposed beaches could build to 20 feet Thursday, even reaching 30 feet at some focal points. A high surf advisory will take effect Thursday morning.

Looking ahead in the forecast period, the National Weather Service expects the return of onshore flow to return cooler temperatures for the weekend, with more cloud cover and a drizzle possible by early next week.