Frosty Mornings, High Tides & Sneaker Waves: Forecast

SAN FRANCISCO — Clear skies and cold nights are in the forecast for the long holiday weekend, with frost expected across the Bay Area, and a freeze watch in place Saturday night for the North Bay valleys.

"Temperatures in these areas will be hazardous for unsheltered and marginally sheltered populations for tonight and over the next several nights," NWS Bay Area forecasters warned Friday. "Remember to protect people, pets, plants and pipes from the cold."

Another potential hazard will be astronomical high tides, sneaker waves and minor coastal flooding through the weekend, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a beach hazards statement for the coastline stretching from Sonoma County to Monterey County through Sunday morning.

"Sneaker wave risk diminished by Sunday afternoon as swell period decreases but the waters may still be turbulent with larger breaking waves, so caution is still advised," forecasters said Friday. "In addition to the increased sneaker wave risk beginning Friday, high astronomical tides are expected this weekend, which may bring runup gather along the beach. Beachgoers and tide poolers should use caution and watch out for unexpected waves that can sweep you off your feet."

Aside from the cold and water hazards, a ridge of high pressure should keep the skies clear into early next week before a more unsettled pattern emerges around Wednesday that could bring some fresh rain to the Bay Area. Another system will bring another shot at moisture late Thursday into Friday.

Forecasters said there is a fair amount of uncertainty in the early models, but climate outlooks continue to favor a wetter trend heading into December, keeping the door open for potential storms to develop.