The Bay Area is bracing for a wet and windy end to the week as atmospheric disturbances pass through the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) San Francisco has issued a series of advisories, warning residents of incoming rain and potentially hazardous high surf conditions along the coast. According to an NWS forecast, light rain began impacting areas like the San Mateo Peninsula earlier today, with more significant rainfall poised to intensify overnight into Friday.
As the weekend approaches, meteorologists anticipate the arrival of additional rain systems that promise to soak parts of Northern California persistently. "A more significant round of rain comes through later tonight into Friday," the NWS noted, predicting that the North Bay valleys could see up to an inch of rain, with higher elevations getting as much as three inches. There's also the potential for gusty winds reaching 30-35 mph along coastlines and ridgetops, which has led to a proactive issue of a High Surf Advisory effective from 10 AM today until 4 PM Sunday. NWS advises extreme caution near the water, as "large NW swell is arriving to the coastal waters and will persist through the weekend." Beachgoers are urged to stay vigilant as breaker heights could range from 20-30 feet.
Commuters and high-profile vehicles might face challenges due to projected gusts. Although these winds are not expected to surpass Wind Advisory criteria, NWS suggests they could present hazards like blowing objects and difficult driving conditions. Indoor activities are likely more appealing as temperatures hover in the upper 50s to mid-60s across lower elevations throughout the day.
Regarding marine forecasts, rough seas, and strong southwest winds are expected to continue until Saturday, with a cold front shifting the wind direction to the northwest on Sunday. As sea heights rebuild, NWS urges mariners to exercise caution and states, "Disturbed weather has returned to the coastal waters." Moreover, a High Surf Advisory stands to warn against 20-30 foot breaking waves that are dangerous enough to warrant heeding NWS's saying: "Let's get through this weekend without another ocean fatality."
Looking ahead, ensemble model guidance from NWS suggests a possibility for more rain in the early days of the New Year, with a 40-50% chance indicated. However, confidence remains too low to adjust forecast totals definitively at this time.
