San Francisco residents can expect the return of wet weather starting Tuesday as a storm system passes through the region. According to forecasts by NWS San Francisco, the Central Coast is anticipated to experience the heaviest rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday. The North Bay Valleys may see up to 0.1 inches of rain, the Bay Area could receive 0.1-0.5 inches, and the Central Coast is expected to get between 0.5-1 inch of rainfall, with the Santa Lucias potentially seeing 1 to 1.5 inches. Commuters are advised to prepare for wet conditions, as the incoming weather could lead to ponding on roads and minor flooding in low-lying areas with poor drainage.
The front responsible for this system is weakening as it approaches, with moisture diminishing as it moves through the outer marine zones. "By the time the rain band makes landfall: expect fairly good chances for rain along the coast through the day, but very light rain, that will not add up to much," said the National Weather Service San Francisco CA. Scattered showers will pick up later in the night and last through Thursday, with San Jose and areas south expected to receive more significant precipitation than other parts.
Long-term forecasts indicate that the rainy pattern will persist into the next work week. The North Bay could accumulate 0.10 to 0.30 inches, the Bay Area may see 0.30 to 0.55 inches, and the Santa Cruz Mountains and Big Sur areas might collect 1.00 to 1.75 inches. Some of the extended forecast guidance shows signs that next week's rains could be more impactful than what we're seeing and will see for this week, the NWS forecast discussion elaborates. A reminder to locals: it's always wise to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts as the pattern develops.
For those taking to the skies, the aviation forecast predicts that flight categories could be reduced if heavier rain showers occur, affecting visibility and operations. "After morning ceilings clear, all terminals are pegged to prevail VFR, but if a rain shower passes directly over a terminal and it is on the heavier side expect a reduction in flight category," the National Weather Service report states. Mariners should also brace for moderate seas and a southerly breeze today, with conditions becoming more turbulent Wednesday through Friday.
