Fireworks for Fourth may fall under fog

SAN FRANCISCO (Map, News) - Sunny, warmer days should prevail in San Francisco and on the Peninsula through the Fourth of July weekend, but evening fog could threaten fireworks displays in some coastal areas.

Barbecuers and game-goers can rest easy: Daytime highs are expected to range from the mid-60s to lower 70s in San Francisco, while in San Mateo County temperatures will rise into the 70s and even the lower 80s in some of the warmest areas, according to Charles Bell, meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

However, as night falls, the fog should begin to creep in, and might reach some inland areas as early as 10 p.m., according to Bell. That typical July marine layer is expected to stick around overnight and then burn off again by midmorning throughout the weekend.

When it comes to fog and fireworks, “It could be a close call,” Bell said. “Though, in some respects, there could be some neat effects, watching the fireworks with the clouds coming in.”

That could affect displays throughout the Bay Area, including ones at San Francisco’s Pier 39, the Port of Redwood City and Berkeley Marina.

However, when it comes to fireworks and fog in San Francisco, Pyro Spectaculars — the company responsible for all the pyrotechnics — has a few tricks up its sleeve, according to Pier 39 spokeswoman Cathy Paver.

“If it’s foggy, they’ll change out the shells for something that flies a little lower and looks better under a bit of cover,” Paver said.

To get the best views, visitors may want to turn up early and stake out a good spot. Pier 39 is expecting a larger crowd than usual since July 4 falls on a Friday — meaning most people don’t have to go back to work the next day, according to Paver.

bwinegarner@sfexaminer.com

FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES

» San Francisco: Pier 39, fireworks, 9:30 p.m. Views from Telegraph Hill, Crissy Field, the Marin Headlands and other hilly locations.

» Redwood City: Parade begins at 10 a.m. at Willow and Brewster; festival 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. downtown; fireworks at 9:30 p.m. at the Port of Redwood City.

» Belmont: Party at noon at Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier, followed by fireworks at dusk.

» San Carlos: Parade at 8:30 a.m. at Ace Hardware on East San Carlos Avenue. Party in Three Oaks Community Park, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

» Menlo Park: Parade at 11:30 a.m. at Santa Cruz and Chestnut streets, followed by party at Burgess Park.

» Pacifica: Live bands and more at Frontierland Park, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

GETTING AROUND

» BART: Sunday schedule with extra trains from East Bay to The City

» Caltrain: Three extra trains after the fireworks are over

» Ferry: Regular weekend schedule

» Golden Gate Transit: Holiday schedule

» AC Transit: Weekend schedule

» Muni: Altered routes on the 9x, 10, 19, 30, 39, 47, and 49 from 2 p.m. to midnight. Muni anticipates delays on the 91, 22 and 45 after fireworks. Muni will run shuttles from 2 to 8:30 p.m. from the Ferry Building, Caltrain and Van Ness and Market to Fisherman’s Wharf.

» San Francisco Parking: Commuter tow-away lanes, residential permit, and Mon.-Fri. daytime street sweeping not enforced; seven-day street sweeping enforced. Meters not enforced, except at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Advertisement