Surfers and coastal adventurers, buckle up for a wild ride along Northern California's coastline! Mother Nature's brewing up some serious maritime drama that'll make even seasoned wave riders think twice about paddling out.
A high surf warning is blasting from Sonoma to Monterey, with wave heights that'll make your jaw drop. We're talking massive swells ranging from 6 to 23 feet depending on your beach aspect. West-facing beaches are set to see the most radical conditions, with Thursday promising 13 to 17-foot waves and Friday potentially delivering mind-blowing 18 to 23-foot monsters.
Thursday brings a southwest wind howling at 20 to 27 miles per hour, churning up cloudy skies loaded with rain and potential thunderstorms. Temperatures will hover between a chilly 51 and 62 degrees - definitely wetsuit weather. The marine forecast suggests treacherous conditions with a slight chance of lightning adding some electrifying unpredictability to the mix.
By Friday, winds will shift northwest and calm slightly, but don't be fooled. Wave heights remain epic, with mostly cloudy skies and continued rain. Water temperatures are hovering around a brisk 53 degrees, so thermal protection is absolutely critical.
Local authorities are strongly recommending beach closures, and honestly, unless you're a professional big wave rider with a death wish, we suggest you heed that advice. This is not your average surf session - this is a full-on oceanic fury that demands respect.
Stay safe, stay informed, and maybe enjoy the show from a safe distance. Surf's definitely up, but maybe not in the way you want!