The arrival of fall in the Bay Area has ushered in cooler temperatures, a potential for rain, and heightened concerns about dangerous surf conditions along the coastline.
A cold front, descending from the Oregon border, is poised to introduce rain to the region on Monday afternoon and persist through Tuesday morning, September 26. This weather system is expected to have the most significant impact on northern Sonoma County and the Mayacamas Mountains, as indicated by the National Weather Service.
Meteorologist Dial Hoang from the Weather Service elaborated on the situation, stating, "Later today and into this evening we're going to see a cold front coming through, and that will bring rain mostly to the North Bay, although the rest of the Bay Area, San Francisco, the East Bay, and Peninsula might get some drizzle from it as well."
Projections suggest that this system could deposit between 0.10 to 0.20 inches of rain in the North Bay valleys, with higher elevations potentially receiving as much as half an inch to three-quarters of an inch, according to Hoang.
Over the next few days, temperatures are anticipated to remain relatively cool, with inland valleys experiencing highs in the high 70s to low 80s in the warmest zones, while North Bay temperatures are expected to reach the upper 60s to lower 70s. However, the entire region should experience a warming trend as the rain system progresses.
In conjunction with the anticipated rainfall, the cold front is also expected to generate turbulent ocean conditions, prompting the issuance of a High Surf Advisory by the Weather Service, effective from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Tuesday.
Residents and beachgoers are advised to exercise caution, particularly along the coast, where large breaking waves are expected to reach heights of approximately 12 to 16 feet, with certain steep-sloped beaches potentially experiencing waves measuring from 15 to 20 feet, Hoang cautioned.
Beaches facing northwest are anticipated to be most susceptible to these hazardous conditions.
Hoang emphasized the importance of monitoring local tides and currents, staying clear of jetties and rocky shorelines, and never turning one's back on the ocean when venturing near the water.