San Francisco woke up today under patchy fog and cool, damp air, with temperatures hovering near 52°F. The calm setup will not stick around. A wetter stretch is queued up, with rain likely from Tuesday into Wednesday and coastal and mountain areas expected to pick up the most. Commuters and anyone with outdoor plans should be ready for a soggy start beginning Tuesday morning.
What To Expect
Tomorrow brings the main event. Rain is likely tomorrow morning through the afternoon, followed by showers and a few thunderstorms that could linger into Tuesday night. Forecast guidance from the National Weather Service indicates that many areas may see a quarter to a half inch of rain on Tuesday. A stronger round late Tuesday into early Wednesday could tack on another half to three-quarters of an inch in some coastal and higher terrain locations. Brief bursts of heavier rain are possible in stronger cells, which may cause pockets of street flooding and reduced visibility, according to NWS San Francisco.
Timing And Temperatures
Monday stays mostly cloudy with highs in the low 60s and lows Monday night in the upper 40s to around 50°F. On Tuesday, highs should reach near 61°F before the rain really settles in, then slip into the low 50s Tuesday night as the wettest period arrives. By Wednesday, the airmass cools a bit more, with highs in the upper 50s, lingering showers, and more patchy morning fog in the mix.
Marine And Commute Impacts
Small craft advisories are in place for portions of the coastal waters starting Tuesday morning, and boaters should expect building seas and gusty winds. Gale-force gusts remain possible south of the Golden Gate, depending on the track of the low. Ferry rides could get choppy during the heaviest rain, and drivers are urged to steer clear of standing water and ease off the gas on slick ramps.
Plan Ahead
Plan on rain gear tomorrow and build in extra travel time. If you can, delay outdoor work and keep tabs on any streets in your area that tend to flood quickly. Check transit agency alerts before heading out, since ferries and some bus routes can the affected by heavier rain, and avoid walking or driving through moving water.
