Just like turkey and stuffing or mashed potatoes and gravy, the holiday season and cold weather are a perfect pairing, and residents of the Bay Area should expect temperatures to drop this weekend alongside harsh sneaker waves along the coast, according to the National Weather Service.
While freeze and frost warnings were limited to just the North Bay and parts of San Benito County this weekend, parts of the region will still experience temperatures below 40 degrees on Saturday and Sunday night. In San Jose and the South Bay, Saturday and Sunday lows were 38 on both nights, while other lows included 44 and 42 in Oakland, 37 and 36 in Concord, 46 for both in San Francisco and 41 and 40 in Palo Alto.
The NWS warned that low temperatures could be hazardous for unsheltered populations and people, pets,
plants and pipes should be protected from the cold.
Colder overnight temperatures continue for inland parts of our area over the next several nights. These temperatures are hazardous for vulnerable populations. Remember to protect people, pets, plants and pipes from the cold! #cawx pic.twitter.com/IW7D25HdWo
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) November 24, 2023
Temperatures won’t be quite as frigid during the daytime, with highs in the mid 60s across the board.
Along the coastline, particularly on the Peninsula, a Beach Hazard Statement was issued by the NWS on Friday. The statement warned potential beach-goers of an increased likelihood of sneaker waves that could last until Sunday morning.
A Beach Hazards Statement will go into effect late Friday lasting into Sunday for increased sneaker wave risk. These waves can sweep people into sea without warning. Please use caution if planning to go to the beach! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/eTdvqEnhgj
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) November 24, 2023
The NWS defined sneaker waves as “potentially deadly waves that surge further up the beach than expected,” with an increased chance of sweeping people deeper into the ocean. With temperatures expected to be lower, an increased sense of danger could be present in the Peninsula waters. The sneaker waves also carry some potential for light flooding in low-lying areas.