The Bay Area is in for a dramatic weather turnaround following an unseasonably warm start to the week. After soaring into the 80s—making it the hottest stretch since October—temperatures are set to plummet as cool ocean winds return.
Heatwave Peaks Before a Sudden Cooldown
San Francisco, which flirted with 80-degree temperatures at its Duboce Triangle weather station, will experience a sharp drop on Wednesday, with highs only reaching the low 60s. The same pattern will play out across the region, bringing gusty winds, drizzle, and a much chillier feel.
Before the cooldown, Tuesday is shaping up to be the hottest day since last fall for much of the Bay Area. Inland cities like Oakland are expected to hit the 80s, while coastal spots such as Half Moon Bay and Pacifica could also climb into the upper 70s or low 80s—depending on how soon the sea breeze kicks in.
Winds to Bring Relief and a Touch of Drizzle
As the sun sets on Tuesday, a southerly wind shift will usher in a refreshing marine breeze. Gusts of up to 35 mph are expected overnight near the coast, the bay, and the delta. By Wednesday morning, fog and drizzle could blanket coastal areas, bringing a stark contrast to Tuesday’s warmth.
This shift is driven by a high-pressure system that had been blocking marine air from cooling down the region. As that system moves away, the Bay Area’s natural “air conditioning” will switch back on, making it feel like a different season overnight.
What to Expect in Your Area
San Francisco
Tuesday will be another warm one, with highs reaching the mid-70s in the Sunset and Richmond districts, while downtown, SoMa, and the Mission could hit 80 degrees. The evening will bring gusty southerly winds up to 25 mph, cooling things down quickly. By Wednesday, expect highs in the upper 50s to low 60s with drizzle and fog.
North Bay
Cities like San Rafael, Santa Rosa, Napa, and Vallejo will see highs in the low to mid-80s—closer to May-like temperatures. Coastal spots in Marin and Sonoma counties should reach the upper 60s to low 70s. Winds will pick up by evening, with gusts up to 35 mph overnight.
East Bay
Tuesday will push temperature records, with Oakland aiming for 80 and Livermore potentially surpassing 82. Highs will remain 15 to 20 degrees above average. By nightfall, easterly winds will pick up, gusting up to 30 mph near the delta.
Peninsula & Coast
The 101 and I-280 corridor will be baking in the upper 70s to mid-80s from Daly City to Redwood City. The tricky part of the forecast lies along the coast—Half Moon Bay, which hit 80 degrees Monday, could stay warm if the sea breeze holds off. However, once it arrives, temperatures could drop from the 70s to the 50s within hours. Overnight, expect a cooling trend with lows in the low 50s and potential drizzle.
South Bay & Santa Cruz
San Jose is on track for its hottest March day in a decade, with a high of 87. Cities like Cupertino, Campbell, and Saratoga will also push into the upper 80s. Santa Cruz will be warm but may cool off slightly in the afternoon due to a weak bay breeze. By nightfall, cool winds will spread across the region, dropping overnight lows to the low 50s.
Get Ready for a Weather Whiplash
Bay Area residents should prepare for an outfit change—Tuesday’s summer-like conditions will be replaced by a cool, breezy Wednesday that feels more like early spring. Whether you’re hitting the beach or planning outdoor activities, enjoy the warmth while it lasts because a major cooldown is just hours away!