(BCN) -- Thursday in the Bay Area calls for mostly sunny and clear skies, according to the National Weather Service. Daytime highs will be mostly in the high 60s to low 70s on the coast, low 60s to low 70s around the bay, and high 50s to mid 70s inland. Overnight lows will be mostly in the low to h igh 40s, with some coastal areas reaching the low 50s. Forecasters say Thursday is shaping up as the warmest day in the short-term forecast across the San Francisco Bay Area, with sunshine returning after morning fog and a gradual cooling trend expected heading into the weekend. According to the NWS, fog was more consistent early Thursday morning across the delta and interior valleys, including parts of the North Bay Valleys. Fog along the Russian River in Sonoma County also appeared more widespread than in recent mornings, a signal that it could linger longer before clearing. Once the fog lifts, skies are expected to turn sunny and mild. Afternoon highs around the Bay Area are forecast to reach mostly the 60s, with warmer readings possible in inland locations. The warmest conditions are expected farther south, including parts of Monterey County, where temps are forecast to climb well above seasonal averages. Forecasters say temps will fall quickly after sunset as dry air allows heat to escape. Cooler overnight lows are expected in valleys, while some higher elevations may stay milder due to a weak thermal belt. The NWS also warned of an elevated risk of sneaker waves and rip currents along Pacific coast beaches in California on Thursday, urging people to use caution near the shoreline.Daytime highs are expected to gradually ease beginning Friday, with cooler conditions continuing into the weekend, forecasters say. Copyright © 2026 Bay City News, Inc. ...read more read less