A compact Pacific storm is lining up to drench the San Francisco Bay Area today, with the North Bay squarely in the path for the heaviest rain and a brief period of minor flooding on low-lying streets and along small streams. Temperatures will stay relatively mild for early January, with most daytime highs in the 50s and nighttime lows hovering in the upper 40s to low 50s.
Where the Rain Will Hit Hardest
Showers could start as early as 2 AM in the North Bay, and forecasters say lower elevations there may collect roughly 1 to 2 inches of rain while nearby mountains could see up to 4 inches. That bullseye of precipitation brings an elevated risk of urban flooding and small-stream rises, and forecasters note a slight chance that a few larger rivers could briefly reach minor flood stage, according to the National Weather Service.
How Much Rain Where
Across the rest of the Bay Area, rainfall totals will be all over the map, from under a tenth of an inch in some neighborhoods to as much as 3 inches in others. San Francisco itself could wind up with about 1 to 1.5 inches by tonight. That patchwork pattern reflects uncertainty in the exact path of the storm and a low-pressure center that could juice up showers at times Monday afternoon. As reported by SFGATE, that variability means commuters and planners should be ready for anything from a quick soaking to a more drawn-out downpour, depending on where the main rain band parks itself.
Coastal Flooding, King Tides And Timing
A Coastal Flood Advisory is in place for parts of the bay and shoreline through Monday afternoon. The pairing of high astronomical tides and storm surge could push minor flooding into low-lying shoreline spots around the high tides. The National Weather Service lays out the advisory window and highlights high-tide timing that could worsen problems in vulnerable areas, according to the National Weather Service.
What Comes After
Later Monday, the system is expected to weaken and slide south, opening the door to a drier, cooler stretch by midweek with colder nights inland. Local forecasters say Tuesday may feel like a transition day, but much of the region should notice a clear drop-off in rain by Wednesday, as described by the San Francisco Chronicle.
The bottom line: do not drive through standing water, pad your commute time, and keep tabs on local advisories if you live in low-lying or coastal neighborhoods. Officials also urge extra caution near swollen creeks and the bay and recommend following posted road-closure notices.
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