Bay Area residents can expect to see some sunshine today after the morning clouds clear out, according to the National Weather Service. Despite a breezy start, temperatures are forecasted to settle in at a comfortable mid-50s to low 60s range this afternoon. The NWS Bay Area tweeted optimism for the day's conditions, signaling a dry Thursday for locals.
Tired of the rain? We have good news! Morning clouds will give way to afternoon sunshine and dry conditions today. It will be a little breezy with afternoon high temperatures in the upper 50s to lower 60s. #cawx pic.twitter.com/MRlgTPtzor
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) March 7, 2024
Looking ahead, the weather is set to shift as we edge towards the weekend. The National Weather Service forecasts "partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny," with a high near 61 degrees today, and a clear night ahead with a low around 46. However, Friday night might bring a 30 percent chance of rain after 5 a.m., a precursor to an "unsettled pattern" that's expected to unfurl through early next week. This information has been detailed by the NWS on its website, with light rain chances escalating, especially north of Golden Gate, as we move into Saturday and beyond.
Mariners and coastal dwellers should note that strong northerly winds will whip up today, likely leading to rougher sea conditions. High pressure may bring temporarily calmer seas on Friday, but will be followed by a resurgence of building waves over the weekend. "Post-frontal fresh to strong northerly breezes are expected today with building rough seas," reported the NWS Forecast Office San Francisco. For those out at sea, small craft advisories have been issued for many nearshore and offshore zones prompting caution.
San Francisco's forecast for the upcoming week also hints at on-again, off-again rain chances, starting again on Saturday morning and continuing sporadically into next week. Despite these disturbances, a high pressure system is wresting its way back, promising a drier, sunnier mid-March outlook. "High pressure should bring quiet weather and warmer temperatures for late week into next weekend and the 8-14 day Climate Prediction Center outlook suggests drier conditions should prevail," according to the NWS Forecast Office San Francisco's discussion.
Drivers and commuters should be ready for potentially tricky conditions, especially during the early mornings and late evenings when visibility might be compromised by fog or rain. Everyone's advised to keep an eye on the skies, and, perhaps, an umbrella within reach as Mother Nature dials through her springtime repertoire.
