Oakland is in for a soggy ride today, as showers and a steady plume of Pacific moisture move across the Bay Area. The wet weather is locking in just in time for the commute, with the highest rainfall chances in the North Bay. Temperatures will be mild, in the mid-50s along the waterfront and low-to-mid 60s inland, but the steady rain and southerly breezes will make it feel cooler. Low-lying streets and underpasses could see ponding during heavier bursts, so plan on slower-than-usual travel this afternoon and evening.
When Rain Arrives
Rain turns widespread across the region today, with the most persistent showers settling in from late morning and continuing through the afternoon into the evening. Forecasters are pegging daytime precipitation probabilities near 90%, and many urban spots are expected to pick up roughly 0.5 to 0.75 inches of new rain, with locally higher totals in stronger bands. Small craft advisories are posted for parts of the coastal waters. According to the NWS in San Francisco, showers should taper off by tomorrow as conditions dry out.
Where It Will Be Heaviest
Hills and terrain will help wring out the moisture, focusing the heaviest rain in the North Bay, while San Francisco and the South Bay see more modest amounts. That setup can produce very different outcomes just a few miles apart, with one neighborhood dealing with big puddles and another just looking damp. Keep an eye on low-lying streets and creek crossings, especially in neighborhoods upwind of the hills. For a ground-level look at how a recent system played out along the waterfront, check out how soaked streets and swollen tides snarled a San Francisco commute.
Commute And Safety
Drivers should budget extra time, take it easy on the gas, and avoid plowing through standing water. Heavier showers will cut visibility and lengthen stopping distances, especially on bridges. Transit riders may see slower buses and traffic-driven delays, and flights at SFO could be affected by gusty southerly winds. If you can, shift nonessential errands away from the peak evening rain and give crews space to clear storm drains where water tends to pool.
Boaters And Coastal Areas
Recreational boaters and ferry operators should be ready for choppy seas and gusty southerly winds in exposed waters and make sure loose gear is secured. Expect short-period waves and higher surf along exposed shorelines, and keep an eye on official marine notices if you are heading out. Shoreline residents should watch for ponding on bayfront streets during higher tides and avoid parking vehicles in low-lying spots that tend to flood.
Wednesday And Beyond
Once the moisture plume moves on, a drier, warmer pattern returns tomorrow, with highs climbing into the mid-to-upper 60s and near 70 by Thursday. Morning fog is possible tomorrow after the rain clears, but inland areas should have the best chance of sunshine later in the week. Forecasters at NWS San Francisco expect the region to stay generally milder and drier through the weekend.
