National Weather Service adds beach hazard statement to heat advisory
OAKLAND, Calif. - Along with hot weather this week, the Bay Area also has dangerous beach conditions.
The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazard statement for north and northwest-facing beaches due to the risk of stronger sneaker waves and rip currents from increased wave heights.
Forecasters also have issued a heat advisory for much of the Bay Area. High temperatures will generally be 10–15 degrees above normal for inland areas throughout the duration of this event.
Forecasters say the hottest day will likely be Wednesday, with temperatures dropping a few degrees by Thursday.
Temperatures for interior areas are likely to reach into the mid to upper 90s and even the low 100s for a few hot spots closer to the Central Valley.
A heat advisory has been issued for interior portions of Napa, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Alameda counties lasting from Tuesday through Thursday. The heat advisory will expand on Wednesday to include Santa Clara, San Benito, and the far eastern portion of Monterey County.
In Pacifica, amateur surfers Matt Lawrence and Sam Wesley, say they plan to play it safe this week after the beach hazard was issued along the Bay Area’s coastline from Wednesday morning until Thursday night.
"Oh, I’ll get thrown in the washing machine. Those waves will tumble me," said Lawrence.
Unusually high surf has been forecast at Point Reyes, Southern Monterey Bay, Big Sur and the San Francisco Peninsula.
"There are some rocks out here in Pacifica, so a 15-footer can bring you down and hit you pretty hard on those rocks. It can hold you under the water too, so especially if you’re a beginner, it’s just not the place to be," said Wesley.
Pacifica resident Jeff Hallie says he’s been casually surfing for about 10 years, but when coastal conditions bring high surf, he chooses to stay out of the water.
"I’m kind of a wimp, so if it’s really big, I’m probably going to stay home. I’ll go watch better people than me," said Hallie.
The beach hazard notice warns that large, breaking waves can sweep across beaches without warning and that people should stay out of the water until the warning is lifted.
"People who have not paid attention to the ocean have died, so there is that issue. But I think if you’re up here, and you’re aware of this, there are tons of signs that say be careful," said Jon Pedigo, of Pacifica.
Residents in Pacifica say most people living along the coast are prepared for high surf conditions and, as long as people take precautions, they can still enjoy the beach on a warm day.
"It’s nice to go to the city, enjoy some of the hot temperatures. Then come back here and get a little cool-down. So, it’s nice," said Cal, of San Francisco.
KTVU's LaMonica Peters contributed to this report.