San Jose commuters woke up shivering today, with near-freezing readings around 36 to 38°F at Mineta San José International. Clear skies already started to fill in with low clouds and pockets of valley fog, while a Cold Weather Advisory keeps the Santa Clara Valley and nearby hills under the chill through 9 a.m. More rain and gusty winds are on tap later today, with slick spots possible on higher routes and a quick burst of thunderstorms mid-morning into early afternoon.
What To Expect Today
Light rain or drizzle could sneak in during the pre-dawn hours, then steadier rain is likely from about 8 a.m. through mid-afternoon. Showers and isolated thunderstorms are possible from roughly 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and highs should struggle to reach near 51°F. West winds start off light to moderate in the morning, then pick up in the afternoon with gusts into the teens and stronger gusts possible tonight. New rainfall totals are expected to land between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, with locally higher amounts in any stronger bands, according to the National Weather Service.
Commute And Mountain Concerns
The Highway 17 summit near the Santa Cruz Mountains, around 1,900 feet, could see snow flurries or graupel this morning. Cold pavement may turn that wintry mix into icy patches on mountain ramps and exposed bridges. Drivers over the summit should allow extra time and consider chains or alternate routes if you are heading into higher terrain. Down in the valley, low-lying streets could slow to a crawl where fog trims visibility during the mid-morning commute.
Warming Centers And Safety
The advisory warns that prolonged exposure could be hazardous for people without shelter, pets, and sensitive crops. Santa Clara County has opened warming centers and is offering transportation help for anyone who needs a safe, warm spot. For locations and details, see Santa Clara County. For a look at the broader storm setup and coastal impacts, check out our earlier forecast on the initial storm setup.
Short-Term Outlook
Another low is expected to deepen offshore tonight until tomorrow, bringing steadier rain and gusty winds along with additional mountain snow. Winds could gust into the 20s and 30s mph in more exposed spots. Skies should clear enough tomorrow into Friday morning to allow strong overnight cooling, with readings dropping into the 30s in the valley and the low 20s over higher terrain, per the National Weather Service. The weekend weather does not fully calm down either, with more rain possible Sunday into early next week.
What You Should Do
Plan on extra travel time, pack an emergency kit in your car, and bring pets and tender plants inside if you can. If you or someone you know needs shelter, contact county hotlines or HomeFirst for placement. Warming centers and free VTA rides are available during this stretch of inclement weather. Check back for updates as advisories change.
