The National Weather Service (NWS) Bay Area has issued a detailed marine forecast for the Central California Coast, including specific zones from Point Arena to Point Piedras Blancas, extending 60 nautical miles (NM) offshore. This forecast encompasses prominent areas like Monterey Bay, the Greater Farallones, and the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries. The forecast period extends through Tuesday, March 4, 2025, and anticipates light to moderate winds, building swells, and potential rain. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for several zones through Friday morning.
National Weather Service Bay Area: Synopsis and Zone Forecasts
The NWS Bay Area synopsis indicates continued light to moderate winds for the remainder of the work week. A moderate northwest swell is expected to build in the outer waters, followed by a long-period west swell arriving on Saturday. Rain is likely this weekend and into the following week.
Zone PZZ570: Point Arena to Point Reyes (10-60 NM)
This zone is under a Small Craft Advisory. Winds are expected to be 10-15 knots (kt) from the northwest, increasing to 15-20 kt Friday night and continuing through the weekend. Seas will build to 11-13 feet by Saturday afternoon. Dense fog is possible Friday and Friday night. Rain is likely from Saturday through Monday.
Zone PZZ571: Point Reyes to Pigeon Point (10-60 NM)
This zone is also under a Small Craft Advisory. Northwest winds will prevail, increasing to 15-20 kt Friday night and persisting into the weekend. Seas will build to 9-13 feet by Saturday afternoon. Patchy dense fog is anticipated Friday afternoon and evening. Rain chances begin Saturday and continue into Monday.
Zone PZZ575: Pigeon Point to Point Pinos (10-60 NM)
This zone is under a Small Craft Advisory. Winds are forecast to shift from light and variable tonight to northwest 5-10 kt Friday. Northwest winds will increase to 10-15 kt Friday night and continue through the weekend, with speeds reaching 15-20 kt. Seas will build to 9-12 ft by Saturday afternoon. Dense fog is possible Friday night. Rain is likely starting Saturday afternoon.
Zone PZZ576: Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas (10-60 NM)
This zone is under a Small Craft Advisory. Winds are expected to be light, shifting from northwest to west tonight. Northwest winds will prevail Friday through Tuesday, increasing to 15-20 kt Saturday night and continuing through Monday. Seas will generally be 9-11 feet. Patchy dense fog is possible Friday evening. Rain is likely starting Saturday night.
Coastal Waters and Bays (Out to 10 NM)
Small Craft Advisories are in effect for near coastal waters from Point Arena to Point Reyes and from Pigeon Point to Point Piedras Blancas. Winds and seas will generally be lower closer to shore. Rain is anticipated across all coastal zones starting Saturday and continuing into next week. San Francisco Bay, Suisun Bay, the West Delta, and Monterey Bay will experience lighter winds and seas, generally less than 2 feet. Rain chances increase starting Saturday and continue into next week for these areas as well.
National Weather Service Bay Area: Conclusion
The National Weather Service Bay Area forecast predicts deteriorating marine conditions with increasing winds and seas over the next few days. Mariners should heed the Small Craft Advisories and monitor the latest forecasts from the NWS before venturing offshore. Rain is expected to impact the entire region starting this weekend and continuing into next week.
