NWS Forecast Office San Francisco, CA

The first large northwest swell of the season will impact the coastal waters and beaches this week. Forerunners will arrive on Wednesday with an increased risk for sneaker waves. Swell will increase on Thursday and continue to build into Thursday night and Friday. Northwest facing beaches will see the largest waves, but south and southwest facing beaches will also experience larger waves as the swell wraps into these areas. Since this is an early season swell, waves will run farther up the beach than than typical and will break closer to shore. Beachgoers should use extreme caution if traveling to the beach this week. Never turn your back on the ocean!