Bay Area residents can expect a touch of moisture today as a trough ushers in a chance of drizzle along the coast, according to the National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area. Accumulations are forecasted to be minimal, but slick roadways are a possible hazard, especially along the coast. The NWS also points out a low chance for thunderstorms in the North Bay, reminding everyone, "When thunder roars, go indoors! If you see a flash, dash inside!"
Despite the drizzle, temperatures are expected to remain on the cooler side. The NWS has noted that "increased coverage of early morning marine layer stratus, fog and drizzle is likely this weekend", with the chances of thunder remaining below 10% for Saturday. The inland valleys are set to experience mid 70s to mid 80s, while coastal areas may only soar to the mid 50s to mid 60s, accompanied by coastal drizzle throughout the day.
The weather pattern over the weekend is influenced by an upper-level trough over the West Coast. The trough keeps skies mostly clear but for some patchy stratus forming in western San Mateo County, which is "the main feature dominating our weather this weekend," according to the Area Forecast Discussion. The trough signifies cooler temperatures and possible drizzle across the region for the day.
Looking ahead, gradual warming is on the horizon, with temperatures inching closer to seasonal norms by Monday. An upper-level ridge building over the central CONUS is about to set up an OMEGA block pattern, keeping the Bay Area under a persistent trough. As we roll into the first half of the work week, expect consistency in the weather, with inland areas reaching the 80s to 90s and coastal spots sticking to the 60s.
Mariners should take note of the marine conditions – an upper-level low-pressure system is expected to settle south of the Pacific Northwest and far northern California coast. While winds will ease over the coastal waters this weekend, the San Francisco Bay may still experience breezy conditions each afternoon and evening, prompting a Small Craft Advisory from 9 AM to 9 PM PDT for the northern part of the Bay.
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