Bay Area/ San Francisco

San Francisco Shivers As South Winds Whip Up And Bigger Storm Looms

AI Assisted Icon
Published on February 21, 2026
San Francisco Shivers As South Winds Whip Up And Bigger Storm LoomsSource: Tobias Kleinlercher / Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

San Francisco woke up shivering today, with temperatures stuck in the low 40s and a cold southeast breeze cutting through the early hours. Skies will stay mostly sunny, but a strengthening south-southeast flow through the afternoon will make exposed hills feel extra blustery. Offshore, a stronger Pacific system is lining up for Monday night into Tuesday, expected to bring the wettest weather of this stretch and a risk of ponding on city streets.

Afternoon Winds Pick Up

South-southeast winds will ramp up this afternoon, generally 7–14 mph with gusts near 24 mph across much of the city and stronger blasts on hilltops and along the coast. Coastal and higher-elevation gusts could reach 40 mph, making bridge approaches and exposed viewpoints feel especially raw. Motorists and cyclists are advised to plan for gusty conditions and to secure any unsecured outdoor items, according to the NWS San Francisco.

Marine And Commute Impacts

Small craft advisories and gale warnings are in effect for parts of the Bay and nearby coastal waters this afternoon into tonight, so ferry rides will be choppy and small boats should seek safe harbor. Along the coast, high surf and sneaker waves remain a concern, and rogue waves remain a danger worth keeping in mind. On land, gusts paired with wet pavement could slow buses and make biking uncomfortable, so it is a good idea to allow extra commute time.

Wet Monday Night Into Tuesday

A stronger low offshore Monday night into Tuesday will pull subtropical moisture into the region, with the North Bay favored for the heaviest totals and the best chance of steady rain. The National Weather Service notes that widespread rain Monday night into Tuesday could lead to minor flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas, ponding on roads, and slick travel, while mainstem river flooding is not expected at this time. Plan for the wettest conditions of the week during that window and keep an eye on updated forecasts, according to NWS San Francisco.

Plan Ahead

If you have outdoor plans on Monday or Tuesday, consider rescheduling or lining up a dry backup option. Secure patio furniture and tarps today, give yourself extra time for commutes, and avoid driving through standing water. If you need shelter or services during the cold night ahead, call 311 or 2-1-1 for local assistance.