San Franciscans are looking ahead to a brief respite from the seemingly constant drizzle as weather experts predict a shift towards clearer skies. In a statement released by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in San Francisco, the current dampness will persist through Wednesday as a weak system continues to dominate the region. Showers might sprinkle the Central Coast, but as the low pressure scoots inland, a subtropical high pressure is expected to take over. The payoff? Thursday and Friday promise cooler, drier conditions.
After a notably wet start to the year, the Bay Area's water cup runneth over, with some locales measuring up to 150% of average precipitation since the beginning of October. The NWS Bay Area's X account water statistics reveal that figures are inching close to the full-year averages, even though we aren't halfway through the water year. The downpour has eased the drought concerns but has locals asking—when will we see a steady return of the California sun?
As this round of showers wraps up tonight, let's take a look at the basin averaged water year statistics so far.
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) March 4, 2024
The Bay Area has received somewhere between 100% and 150% of average precipitation since October 1st. #CAwx 🧵1/3 pic.twitter.com/72fjXJyWM7
The brief weather window will see temperatures milden, and it's no time to dust off the rain boots just yet; light rain is forecasted to return over the weekend. High pressure sliding into place is expected to flip southerly winds northward, and while the skies may clear for a spell, those living by the 'Golden Gate' won't be escaping their umbrellas for long.
The marine conditions also tell a tale of transition. Fishermen and boaters have dealt with southwesterly winds and a persistent northwesterly swell, per the National Weather Service.
And as the North Bay readies for showers, the majority of a wet season is waning, with April marked as a typical time of change. As the crocuses begin to push through the sodden soil, Bay Area inhabitants can look to drier days ahead, with May through September historically bringing in significantly less rainfall.
