NWS San Francisco has announced that a more autumnal atmosphere is descending upon us after a run of temperatures that could be described as nature's last nod to summer. According to an early morning report, today offers a final taste of seasonal warmth with coastal areas in the 60s and the interior possibly touching the low 80s. However, come Sunday, we're set to shrug into something cooler, with the arrival of an upper level low.
The essence of fall is to punctuate the air soon, bringing light rain primarily to the North Bay, with chances decreasing as you trek southward. Though the drops might not be plentiful, San Franciscans may need to finally justify the dusting off raincoats and umbrellas as the long-dry pavements anticipate their first real quench since spring. The NWS advises using Saturday wisely, as it provides an opportunity to seal any last "changing of the season" loose ends. It’s worth noting that Saturday night will usher in overcast conditions, setting the stage for the weather about to unfold.
The cooler air, accompanied by gusty winds, is not merely fleeting. Forecasts suggest a possible 3 to 5 degrees drop below our seasonal average—some areas may even see a more pronounced dip—while interior regions are projected to lounge in the mid to upper 60s. This shift is significant enough to warrant keeping a wary eye on the NBM, which has betrayed a tendency to hang onto the warm notes of recent weather.
As we adjust our expectations from the deceptive warmth of early October, NWS San Francisco warns that the breath of fall will greatly stir the winds through midweek. Indeed, mariners should heed as rougher seas are forecasted, with waves reaching heights of 10-12 feet by Monday in the outer waters. NWS maritime warnings are in effect, highlighting hazardous conditions for smaller vessels. This upheaval tracks with the broader volatility pattern, with another weak system on the horizon, potentially spiking our rainfall again late next week.
For those who may not have caught wind of the change, the NWS Bay Area also posted on X, saying that Sunday will bring cooler temperatures and potential light rain as the upper-level low settles over the Pacific Northwest.
Hope you aren't spooked 🎃 by this pattern shift:
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) October 26, 2024
Expect cooler temperatures and the potential for light rain 🌧️ on Sunday as an upper level low moves into the Pacific Northwest.#CAwx pic.twitter.com/c82WpvexEt
