San Franciscans can expect a noticeable shift in the weather pattern, with cooler temperatures and a promise of much-needed moisture on the horizon, per updates from the National Weather Service (NWS) San Francisco. The latest forecast issued early Saturday indicates an upcoming change from persistent dry conditions to a week carrying prospects of rainfall starting Monday.

This positive transition towards wetter weather is attributed to an active pattern emerging from the northeast Pacific, not only promising a brief respite from parched hands but also the potential for measurable rainfall area-wide as we head into the new week, and the NWS San Francisco hints at further precipitation later in the week too. It's welcomed news that could help dampen the fire risks heightened by the dry spell. Citing the early morning report from the NWS, dewpoints alarmingly registered in the "30s, 20s, and even teens across many lower elevations (15F here in Monterey at 1 AM)" which are significantly lower compared to the usual 40s expected in Monterey for this time of year, thankfully a "weak trough" moving in later today will moderately increase humidity and may bring light rain to certain areas, namely the North Bay coastal ranges.

The longer-term outlook brought to us via the NWS San Francisco outlines an "active pattern" continuing through to the end of the forecast period, wherein a deep upper low traveling from the Gulf of Alaska will usher in moisture and is projected to bring widespread rainfall by Monday night. Rainfall amounts could range from 0.6 inches in the North Bay coastal ranges to a lighter 0.1-0.3 inches in more inland and sheltered locales. According to their prognostication, this could be a pivotal shift in the weather narrative dominated by drought, with the potential to "pump the brakes on fire season."

Additionally, Bay Area aviation services should anticipate VFR conditions to persist as the current dry air mass endures but anticipate some transformation as we head into Sunday morning when coastal low clouds and fog could introduce patches of IFR conditions near the coastlines, warn forecasters from the NWS. Meanwhile, maritime interests should take note of the approaching cold front expected around Veterans Day, which should herald a spell of rain before the wind shifts to northwesterly and includes yet another frontal system looming later next week, bringing about the possibility of more rain, this was reinforced by an X post from NWS Bay Area that emphasized, "One more dry day ahead of us before onshore flow returns!"

One more dry day ahead of us before onshore flow returns!

Here's a look at the humidity forecast trend through the upcoming week. Widespread rain chances Monday followed by cooler temps and potentially more rain later next week!#CAwx pic.twitter.com/bWLdfo7XC8

— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) November 9, 2024