The National Weather Service in San Francisco has released an updated weather forecast for the region that includes better chances for rain due to an upper-level low moving into the area. According to the NWS report, the low will stay until late Thursday, with a shortwave ridge giving us a brief respite on Friday before more potential precipitation over the weekend.
In the short term, the clouds have been full of promises, loosely showering the Monterey Bay and parts of Central Coast with light rainfall. However, rain rates are expected to pick up by mid to late morning today, particularly in the southern counties. "Scattered shower activity through the day and into Thursday will still offer good chances for light rain across much of the Bay Area," the National Weather Service forecasts. The San Francisco Bay Area shouldn't get too wet over this; rainfall amounts are likely to be lighter to the north but don't rule out the potential for a decent soaking.
As the week progresses, the National Weather Service predicts "scattered showers look to persist district-wide through Thursday," and there's a chance that we'll even see some thunderstorm action in the mix. The probability of thunderstorms is around "10-20%" around Monterey Bay and into the interior portions of Monterey and San Benito counties, bringing a risk of "locally heavier rain and the potential for hail production."
When it comes to snow, the cold air swooping in with the low pressure will bring snow levels down to 2500 to 3100 ft. Snow enthusiasts should temper their excitement, though, as the driest areas under the low pressure may not see much of the white stuff accumulate. Regardless, areas such as the Santa Lucias and parts of San Benito County can get a light dusting early Thursday as cooler air mingles with lingering moisture.
Come Friday, we're looking at clearer skies and rebounding temperatures, but this is just the warm-up act before another curtain of rain threatens to drop on Sunday. For those on the water, the National Weather Service's marine forecast advises that a "fresh northwesterly breeze and moderate seas will prevail today," but mariners should be wary of heavier rainfall and potential thunderstorms tomorrow. Boats should brace for a strong northwesterly breeze and rough seas on Thursday and Friday.
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