A fierce Wind Advisory is in effect starting Friday at 11 a.m., with the National Weather Service San Francisco cautioning that it can expect S/SE winds of 20-30 mph and gusts barreling in over 45 mph, as per a statement issued by the NWS. In a much-anticipated response to the windswept fray, the East Bay Hills, Santa Cruz Mountains, and regions stretching from the San Francisco Peninsula Coast to the Big Sur Coast are bracing for even stronger gusts that could exceed 50 mph.

As if strong winds weren't enough, weather boffins predict that rains will come pouring down Friday thanks to a cold front sweeping across the area. According to an Area Forecast Discussion from the NWS San Francisco, we should get ready for a total rainfall ranging anywhere from 0.5" to over 3" in certain high-elevation areas, and don't be shocked if thunderstorms decide to join the party. The weather pattern shifts toward drier territories on Sunday when high pressure builds up, shooing away the storm clouds for a return to milder, season-appropriate weather.

Travel could get bumpy as the NWS warns of possible gale force winds in some marine zones, enough to whip up significant waves and even an outside chance for scattered thunderstorms from Friday morning through Saturday night. All you seafarers and weekend mariners best take heed because the NWS ain't spinning yarns—they've got the "Gale Warnings" and "Small Craft Advisories" to prove it.

Lest we forget, aviation is also getting its fair share of shakeups, with the 12Z TAFS forecasting VFR conditions momentarily, but turning gusty and wet as a new low-pressure system swoops in on Friday, potentially causing disruptions in flight schedules. The conditions are expected to prevail until they buckle under Sunday's drier shift, so keep an eagle eye on any travel plans involving the wild blue yonder.