The National Weather Service in San Francisco has announced a shift in weather patterns, signaling the onset of cooler conditions starting today, which are expected to persist into the weekend. According to the NWS San Francisco, a shortwave trough is building along the West Coast, bringing a deeper marine layer and potential light rain and drizzle. Inland areas and valleys are projected to experience high temperatures in the upper 60s to lower 70s, while coastal regions can expect mid-50s to lower 60s.
An increased atmospheric instability could lead to light rain by Friday and Saturday, especially south of the Golden Gate. "Light rain and drizzle are possible throughout the region Friday and Saturday," NWS San Francisco noted in its forecast. There's also a 10-15% chance of thunderstorms during this period, as indicated by the NBM model output. While precipitation is not anticipated to be substantial, with valley areas receiving less than a tenth of an inch and up to a quarter-inch in higher elevations, travelers and outdoor enthusiasts should still prepare for intermittent wet conditions.
Marine conditions along the coast are also expected to reflect the changing weather, as the NWS San Francisco has issued a Small Craft Advisory for certain offshore zones effective until early Thursday, with breezy to gusty conditions through Wednesday and a possibility of light rain increases by Friday. Those navigating or partaking in offshore activities should be cautious of the stronger winds, and the advised marine areas can be found on the NWS San Francisco website.
Looking towards next week, a ridge forecasted to return to the region should gradually usher in more seasonable temperatures early on. The NWS Bay Area took to social media to reassure residents, "temperatures begin warming up again through the early part of next week." As Bay Area locals and visitors adjust their plans to the cooler and potentially wetter conditions, they can look forward to sunshine and more typical spring weather.
Cooling trend begins today with an upper level trough coming to our region. Light rain and drizzle are possible Friday and Saturday before temperatures begin warming up again through the early part of next week. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/OKngxbe5Yu
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) April 23, 2025
.jpg){kind=link}