Oakland woke up to mild, mostly cloudy skies near 55°F on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, but the quiet start is not sticking around for long. A Pacific low is set to shove rain into the Bay Area Tuesday afternoon, with showers and a chance of thunderstorms hanging on through Wednesday night.
Rain Timing And Amounts
Rain is expected to move in Tuesday afternoon, likely after 1 p.m., with steadier periods arriving during the evening commute and additional showers overnight into Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Most urban Bay Area spots are forecast to pick up roughly a quarter to about an inch of rain through Thursday morning, while higher terrain along the Santa Cruz and Santa Lucia ranges could see 2 to 4 inches.
These timing and rainfall estimates come from the National Weather Service, which notes that details could shift slightly as the system moves ashore.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Southerly winds will crank up Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday, with widespread gusts of 20 to 30 mph expected across the Bay and stronger gusts near exposed shoreline and ridgelines. The forecast highlights the potential for gusts up to 40 to 50 mph along the Big Sur coast and higher terrain in Monterey and San Benito counties, and locally stronger gusts are possible with thunderstorm outflows.
Temperatures will top out near 61°F Tuesday before slipping into the upper 40s and low 50s overnight, so it will be a damp and breezy evening rather than a cold one.
Marine And Commute Impacts
Coastal waters will be rough, with small craft advisories and gale warnings in effect for portions of the Central Coast and Monterey Bay into Wednesday. Ferry rides and small-boat trips could feel especially choppy as the wind peaks.
On land, commuters should budget extra time for the Tuesday evening drive and keep an eye out for standing water on low-lying streets during heavier downpours. Ferries and some transit routes may run slower as operators contend with wind and low visibility. We covered the lead-up to this system in our earlier midweek-soaker preview.
Plan Ahead
Expect a disruptive couple of days. Grab a waterproof jacket, allow extra travel time on Tuesday and Wednesday, and secure any loose outdoor items, such as trash bins or patio furniture. Use extra caution when driving under trees or on exposed ridgelines, where gusts can be stronger.
If you have outdoor plans, be ready for interruptions from rain, the chance of brief thunderstorms that could bring lightning, and localized heavy downpours and gusty winds. The wet pattern is expected to ease late Thursday into Friday, with another chance of rain showing up over the weekend.
