You may be tempted to get to the beach this week as the temperatures rise — today is going to be the warmest in San Francisco, while the rest of the Bay Area should be sweltering by tomorrow and Thursday as we cool off — but across the Bay Area coastline there may be hazardous conditions.
It is always tragic when unsuspecting tourists and locals alike head to the beach in warm weather — or in chilly winter weather — without catching the news that the seas are rough and you should exercise extra caution. And while the biggest waves and most hazardous ocean conditions here tend to be from the late fall to mid-winter, hazardous beach conditions can arise for various reasons year-round.
The National Weather Service issued a Beach Hazards Statement for Wednesday and Thursday to go along with its heat advisories for our region.
"If you're thinking of beating the heat by going to the beach, be aware higher waves and sneaker wave risks arrive Wednesday," the weather service says.
"Unexpected waves may sweep people into the sea from rocks, jetties, and beaches," the agency warns. They add warnings to never turn your back on the ocean, of course, and to keep a close eye on children and pets near the water.
You may recall that in late November a five-year-old girl from Merced and her grandfather were both swept out to sea from a beach in Half Moon Bay and drowned due to a sneaker wave. Around that same time, the Coast Guard performed multiple rescues around the region as surfers and boaters encountered rough seas.
This morning is the calm before the warm as the first batch of Heat Advisories go in effect in the North and East Bay
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) June 4, 2024
but if you're thinking of beating the heat by going to the beach, be aware higher waves and sneaker wave risks arrive Wednesday.
Be safe and take care!#CAwx pic.twitter.com/UX03BArC8d
The beach hazard warning extends from Wednesday morning through Thursday evening, and the weather service says that waves up to 20 feet are expected, particular on west- and northwest-facing beaches — which would include pretty much all of SF's beaches.
San Francisco's temperatures are expected to peak Tuesday with a high of 79, while other parts of the inland Bay Area could see 90s and even 100s on Wednesday and Thursday. Everyone headed to these hotter spots, or those who live there, are being told to protect themselves from heat and sun exposure, especially because our bodies are not acclimated to the heat after months of cooler weather.
Previously: Heat Wave Is Coming, Tuesday Looking Like Warmest Day In SF
Photo: Janosch Lino
