As the old year bows out, the weather decides not to go out quietly, impacting New Year revelers and mariners alike along the San Francisco Bay Area. According to the National Weather Service's area forecast discussion, light showers could dampen the festivities today, but drier conditions are forecasted to return in time for New Year's Day. However, Mother Nature's reprieve appears brief as unsettled weather makes a comeback late Tuesday into Wednesday, with another storm system queued up for late in the week.
Boaters in Monterey Bay and surrounding coastal areas have been warned to expect hazardous conditions until 3 PM PST this afternoon. Seas are reaching heights of 9 to 10 ft, indicative of Mother Nature's less-than-welcoming mood for mariners at year's end. "Conditions will be hazardous to small craft," the National Weather Service cautions, urging inexperienced mariners, especially those in smaller vessels, to steer clear of navigating the tumultuous waters.
Through a layering of clouds and intermittent sunlight, the last day of the year will bring a chance of rain peaking between 11 am and 5 pm, with a high hovering near 58 degrees, as reported by the detailed weather forecast. The entrance into 2024, by contrast, promises partly sunny skies eventually yielding to pure sunlight, with a mild high of 59 degrees, offering a short-lived sigh of relief to those looking to start the year on a dry note.
Moving into next week, rain probability picks up to 30 percent on Tuesday, increasing to a more persistent downpour as daylight fades and extends into the night. "Rain, mainly after 11pm," adds the forecast, with the chance of precipitation hitting a surefire 80% and new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch looming on the horizon. Glimpsing further ahead, showers, and possibly a thunderstorm, are expected to parade through the area come Wednesday.
