Issued at 849 PM PDT Fri Mar 20 2026
Temperatures are cooling across the region as the final day of our heat wave comes to a close. Across our 13 climate sites, 12 broke their daily high temperature records and 7 broke their all time March monthly high temperature records. Half Moon Bay was one degree shy of tying their daily high temperature record. Temperatures are expected to cool into the 70s to mid 80s on Saturday and then 70s to low 80s on Sunday. While notably cooler, this is still 10 to 15 degrees above normal for this time of year. No rain on the horizon sadly.
, Issued at 107 PM PDT Fri Mar 20 2026 (This evening through Saturday)
The end is in sight, but not quite yet. Today should mark the last of several days of record-breaking heat across the region. As a note for the weather geeks out there, this morning's 12Z (5 AM PDT) sounding at Oakland reported a temperature of 23.4 C at the 850 mb level (around 5000 feet above sea level). This not only breaks the record for the hottest 850 mb temperature in March (which was itself set by the 00Z/5 PM PDT flight yesterday afternoon), it would also set the record highest 850 mb temperature for the month of April. With such high temperatures, it should not be a surprise to learn that as of noon today, downtown San Francisco, Oakland Museum, Redwood City, San Jose, and Salinas Airport have all broken their daily records.
Widespread Moderate HeatRisk is expected today, corresponding to a medium risk of heat-related illnesses for sensitive populations, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, and people who live or work outside without adequate shelter or cooling. Given the abnormally hot conditions for the middle of March, a Heat Advisory remains in effect for the Bay Area and Central Coast through 8 PM tonight. Follow these tips to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your animals.
-Stay inside in an air conditioned environment between 10am and 7pm. -Suspend unnecessary outdoor activities during the extreme heat, but if you must be outdoors, take frequent breaks in the shade or AC and drink cool water. -Know the signs and symptoms of Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke! Heat Stroke can be deadly if not treated immediately by a medical professional. Call 911 if you suspect someone is suffering from Heat Stroke. -Wear a life vest, swim near a lifeguard, and check conditions before entering the water if going to a river or ocean to cool off. Rivers and the ocean are extremely cold, and Cold Water Shock can turn into paralysis and drowning if you are not careful. -Use a cool and damp towel on your body if you do not have AC and are feeling hot. Or, take a cool shower or bath. -Do not leave kids or pets in a parked car. -Ensure pets and livestock have access to shade and water.
Later today through Saturday, the ridge that has given us these record-breaking temperatures begins to break down and crawl eastwards, allowing for a more zonal (east-west) upper level pattern, a gradual cooling trend, and a slight expansion of the marine layer to begin for the weekend. Low temperatures on Saturday morning hover in the lower to middle 50s for the lower elevations, and the lower to middle 60s for the higher elevations. Highs on Saturday will range from the lower to middle 80s for the inland valleys, the middle to upper 70s close to the Bays, and the 60s along the Pacific coast.
..issued at 107 PM PDT Fri Mar 20 2026 (Saturday night through next Thursday)
The gradual cooling trend continues into the early part of next week. Despite the more zonal flow regime across the region, the upper level heights continue to stay above the seasonal averages, and a ridge develops across the Desert Southwest towards the middle of the week, keeping the temperatures near or slightly warmer than the seasonal averages. High temperatures will settle around the upper 70s to middle 80s inland and the lower to middle 60s along the coast, and lows will generally hover in the middle 40s to lower 50s in the lower elevations, up to the middle 50s for the higher elevations. The inland valleys of Monterey and San Benito Counties remain rather warm with highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s possible.
For those people who are still holding out for a heroic late-season rainstorm, the 7-day forecast shows nary a drop of rain. The CPC outlook for the 8-14 day period does show a lean towards precipitation values closer to the seasonal average, but for downtown San Francisco, that seasonal average only translates to a little above a half an inch of rain.
(06z TAFS) Issued at 933 PM PDT Fri Mar 20 2026
Currently VFR at all terminals. Moderate confidence on the return of LIFR-IFR conditions to HAF, MRY, and SNS. Low stratus will stick close to the coast tomorrow afternoon once VFR is achieved. Onshore winds will prevail.
Vicinity of SFO, Currently VFR with westerly flow. High confidence in VFR through the TAF period with a low probability (20%) for sub- VFR conditions to return to the terminal tonight. Westerly winds will prevail.
SFO Bridge Approach, Similar to SFO.
Monterey Bay Terminals, Currently VFR with northeasterly flow at MRY and VFR with westerly flow at SNS. Moderate confidence on LIFR conditions returning to the terminals tonight. Low stratus will stick to the Pacific Coast tomorrow afternoon. Westerly winds will prevail.
(tonight through next Thursday) Issued at 849 PM PDT Fri Mar 20 2026
Strong northerly winds will spread across the waters tonight through tomorrow night. Frequent gale force gusts are expected across the outer waters and in the Point Reyes coastal jet region with isolated gale force gusts expected from Point Reyes to Point Piedras Blancas. Hazardous seas are expected over the weekend as a result. Winds diminish and seas abate going into next week.
Ca, None. PZ, Small Craft Advisory until 9 AM PDT Saturday for Pigeon Pt to Pt Pinos 10-60 NM-Pt Arena to Pt Reyes 0-10 nm.
Gale Warning from 9 AM Saturday to 3 AM PDT Sunday for Pigeon Pt to Pt Pinos 10-60 NM-Pt Arena to Pt Reyes 0-10 nm.
Small Craft Advisory from 3 AM Saturday to 3 AM PDT Sunday for Pt Reyes to Pigeon Pt 0-10 nm.
Small Craft Advisory from 9 AM Saturday to 3 AM PDT Sunday for Pigeon Pt to Pt Pinos 0-10 nm-Pt Pinos to Pt Piedras Blancas 0-10 nm.
Small Craft Advisory until 3 AM PDT Saturday for Pt Arena to Pt Reyes 10-60 NM.
Gale Warning from 3 AM Saturday to 3 AM PDT Sunday for Pt Arena to Pt Reyes 10-60 NM.
