Bay Area residents, it's time to break out the raincoats and boots once again. The National Weather Service in San Francisco Bay Area has issued weather forecasts predicting a return of wet conditions mid-week, escalating into a gusty weekend. According to NWSBayArea's recent X post, scattered showers are expected to drench the region on Wednesday and Thursday, with a stronger system slated to soak the area with both rain and wind from Friday into Saturday.

Commuters are urged to gear up for potentially longer travel times. "Prepare for longer commute times & keep that umbrella handy!" the NWSBayArea advised on Twitter. The weather service also noted the need for windshield wipers during the morning commute, especially in the Monterey Bay area, where a few showers have already made their presence felt. "It may not look like much, but a few showers are moving through the Monterey Bay region," the @NWSBayArea tweeted, following with a note of the precipitation measured at their office.

May need to use the wipers on the morning commute or an umbrella as you head out the door. It may not look like much, but a few showers are moving through the Monterey Bay region. We picked up a few hundredths at the @NWSBayArea office in Monterey. #cawx pic.twitter.com/oAwrVjhTtI

— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) March 26, 2024

The impending weather systems are to disrupt the benign conditions held in place by high pressure at the surface and aloft, with coastal and high elevation gusts expected to reach 25-40 mph. The Area Forecast Discussion by National Weather Service San Francisco predicts up to an inch of rainfall in coastal ranges and a quarter to half an inch elsewhere through Thursday.

The real tumult is forecasted to commence Friday, as a robust and dynamic low-pressure system moves down the California coast. "Showers begin early Friday morning within a warm advection regime with PM coverage increasing as a surface front nears into early Saturday," the NWS detailed in their discussion. The shift to turbulent weather will likely include, but is not solely limited to periodically heavy rainfall and the possibility for isolated thunderstorms. The National Weather Service has generally expressed a high confidence that most areas will get a soaking, and even inland regions typically drier should expect significant rainfall. "Stay weather aware!" the NWS warned, hinting at a blend of rain, wind, and potential lightning strikes to start the weekend off with a bang.

Marine conditions are also set to deteriorate as winds shift to the south and seas begin to build Wednesday ahead of the cold front. By Friday, the stronger low-pressure system will further agitate the waters. "Moderate northwesterly winds will be enhanced in the coastal jet regions this afternoon," the forecast discussion explained, concerning mariners who should remain alert for changing conditions. The NWS concluded by anticipating a small chance for showers around the Central Coast, with the rest of the region looking at a drying trend as northwest winds pick up and temperatures warm post-weekend.