The Bay Area's respite from the recent rains appears to be a mere interlude, with the National Weather Service predicting a renewed onslaught of wet weather heading into the weekend. Early morning mist and fog will dissipate today, giving way to partial sunny spells, though this is expected to change as the week progresses. According to an NWS forecast discussion, after a dry Thursday, rain and brisk winds are slated to hit the region on Friday and potentially wreak havoc again on Sunday night.
As the storm systems queue up across the Pacific, NWS officials have penciled in rainfall tallies ranging from 1.5 to 3 inches across most areas, while North Bay, Santa Cruz, and Santa Lucia Mountains could see higher totals upwards of 7 inches in the most elevated terrains. Staying ahead of the wet forecast, the service warned of "moderate to potentially rapid rises along area rivers, streams and creeks". The NWS forecast office in San Francisco advised residents to stay up to date as these conditions develop.
The immediate concern for Bay Area commuters includes increased shower activity during this evening's rush hour. In a post from the NWS Bay Area's official X account, drivers were cautioned to anticipate delays due to wet roadways. This warning comes as showers are anticipated to intensify as the day wanes.
📡Radar Update 3 PM - expect shower activity to increase as we head into the evening rush hour. Allow for delayed commute time due to wet roadways. #cawx pic.twitter.com/5KqtNev1Kh
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) January 16, 2024
Nautical forecasts have echoed the sentiment of tumult, with gentle northwest winds soon turning southerly and strengthening Thursday evening as the next band of rain closes in. The maritime community is bracing for "strong and gusty southerly winds and rough seas, persisting through the weekend," as the National Weather Service states. For those with the sea as their backyard, the message was clear - prepare for more than just a stiff breeze and a light sprinkle.
