, Issued at 326 AM PST Sat Jan 24 2026 (Today and tonight)
Winds along the higher peaks in the North Bay became strong early on into the night and these winds will begin to spread aloft across the region further into the morning. Meanwhile, winds at the surface are just about still, which has allowed formation of fog and low clouds. The increased offshore flow aloft will introduce drier air through the morning, with some of the surface moisture being chipped away as the column of air mixes.
This will lead to quicker clearing of skies than previous days. Short-term high-resolution models show a quick clearing of most of the area by the mid morning as the dry flow continues to build in. The clearer skies will allow for temperatures in lower elevations to see high temperatures around 5 degrees or so warmer than yesterday (widespread lower 60s). Winds in the higher elevations and aloft will stay on the stronger side, but the potential for that wind to make it into the lower elevations is poor.
Winds look to reduce into the night, but the dry air remains, leading to clear skies, but cooler low temperatures. Sunday night offers lows in the 40s and 50s along the coast, but upper 30s and lower 40s for the more inland areas. The more interior areas could see lows into the mid 30s, and a few localized spots in the lower 30s.
..issued at 326 AM PST Sat Jan 24 2026 (Sunday through Friday)
The offshore flow turns back to weak onshore flow further into Sunday, but another ridge forms in the jet stream into late Monday and Tuesday. Temperatures will see some light reductions and increases through this quick change, but nothing extreme. This will also make marine layer, low cloud, and fog forecasting interesting into the next work week as the pressure falls and rises. Another element to consider will be the return of high clouds Sunday and into the work week, which could complicate overnight cooling and fog development. Fun for our aviation forecasters!
The mid week forecast still is a matter of the GFS vs every other model. The GFS has the ridge strengthen and places the approaching cold front and low pressure well to the north, continuing our dry trend. Other models just have the ridge push east as the front and low move into the area, leading to widespread light rain chances into Wednesday. The GFS output doesn't look like a typical mid- winter set up, so there is a lot of doubt there. The official forecast leans on the ECMWF's pattern, which would lead to light rain early Wednesday through mid Thursday.
(18z TAFS) Issued at 943 AM PST Sat Jan 24 2026
Satellite imagery this morning is drastically different compared to yesterday, as many areas have clear skies. Stratus and fog lingers in some North Bay Valleys and across the interior Central Coast, with the North Bay clearing in a couple of hours. South, the stratus looks bit thicker so it may take a little while longer to clear, though once it does VFR conditions should prevail across the region. Opted to go a bit more pessimistic for KSTS and have IFR conditions return. LIFR is possible, but opted to not go from VFR to LIFR in the TAF cycle since only the MOS and some hi- res guidance supports this. These models also show some reduced vis in KAPC tonight; however, offshore winds should be stronger there and keep fog at bay.
Vicinity of SFO, Stratus has cleared, leaving SFO with VFR conditions for the TAF cycle. Winds should switch to the north- northeast by late morning or early afternoon, and then become offshore overnight.
SFO Bridge Approach, Similar to SFO.
Monterey Bay Terminals, Clear skies and VFR conditions will prevail. Winds of around 5-10kt will eventually become onshore today for a brief period, with offshore winds returning tonight.
(today through Thursday) Issued at 326 AM PST Sat Jan 24 2026
Moderate to fresh northerly breezes today and tonight. Wave heights continue to subside today. Improving wind and sea conditions will persist through the weekend to mid next week.
Ca, None. PZ, None.
