Bay Area/ San Francisco

Bay Area Bundles Up As Cold Dawn Hits Before Storms Roll Back In

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Published on February 20, 2026
Bay Area Bundles Up As Cold Dawn Hits Before Storms Roll Back InSource: Tobias Kleinlercher / Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

San Francisco woke up shivering today, with overnight lows near 42°F under mostly clear skies. The chill follows several days of stormy weather and briefly puts inland pockets and higher hilltops at risk of near‑freezing conditions. Morning commuters are reaching for an extra layer and keeping an eye out for slick spots on untreated surfaces.

Morning Chill And Advisories

The National Weather Service has a Cold Weather Advisory and an expanded Extreme Cold Warning in effect through 9 AM. Friday for parts of the Bay Area, warning of lows in the low 40s and near‑freezing readings inland, according to NWS San Francisco. The alerts stress the need to take extra care of vulnerable neighbors, pets, and sensitive plants during the coldest early‑morning hours.

Afternoon And Saturday Preview

Friday should turn partly sunny with a high near 54°F before temperatures slide back into the low 50s late in the day. Saturday nudges into the upper 50s, but winds shift southerly in the afternoon, and it will feel a bit raw again. Exposed shorelines and hilltops could see gusts near 25 mph, and that south wind will help seed showers late Saturday night. 

Saturday Night Into Next Week

Rain chances increase after about 10 PM Saturday and persist through Sunday, then grow more organized Monday into Tuesday. Monday night and Tuesday currently show the highest odds for widespread rain with urban ponding and minor flooding possible in low‑lying areas, according to NWS San Francisco. Forecasters say mainstem river flooding is unlikely, but slick roads and standing water during heavier bands remain on the table.

What To Know For Your Commute

Drivers should slow down on wet streets, build in extra travel time, and avoid plowing through standing water. Before winds ramp up, it is worth securing loose outdoor items. If you need warming or shelter resources, local outlets recommend calling 311 or dialing 2‑1‑1 for help. Transit riders should check service alerts from Muni, BART, and ferry operators before heading out.

Bottom line: expect a crisp but dry Friday, a windier Saturday with a late‑night shower chance, then a shift to steadier rain early next week as this active pattern reloads.