Bay Area/ San Francisco

Blustery Wake-Up: Rain And Rogue Gusts Rattle San Francisco Sunday

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Published on April 12, 2026
Blustery Wake-Up: Rain And Rogue Gusts Rattle San Francisco SundaySource: Iamnoone069, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

San Francisco woke up today to a gray, unsettled start, with spotty showers riding in on cool, breezy air and temperatures in the low 50s, hovering around 53°F. Anyone heading out early could expect brief downpours and gusts strong enough to make cycling and bridge crossings feel like a full-body workout for much of the day.

Afternoon Gusts And Thunder Risk

The main action is expected today, when showers and a few thunderstorms are most likely. The daytime high should land near 62°F, with new rainfall generally between a quarter and a half inch in lower spots, and locally higher totals over the coastal ranges. Southwest winds around 13 mph may crank up into the low 20s in gusts, and Small Craft Advisories cover parts of the bay and nearby offshore waters into the afternoon. According to the National Weather Service, the heaviest shower coverage should ease late Sunday, with a gradual warming and drying trend starting tomorrow.

What This Means For The Commute

Thunderstorm chances climb in spots where upslope flow gives storms an extra lift, particularly across the North Bay, coastal ranges and some inland hills. Any stronger cells could bring brief heavy downpours, lightning and erratic gusts that sneak up on you. Drivers should be ready for sudden ponding on streets and reduced visibility during the more intense bursts. Cyclists and pedestrians would be wise to avoid the most exposed bridge crossings while the wind is at its peak.

Marine And Travel Notes

Boaters and small-craft operators should stick to current advisories and plan for choppy, uncomfortable conditions through the afternoon. 

Plan Ahead

Today is a waterproof-layer and extra-travel-time kind of day. Secure loose outdoor gear so it does not take flight, and use extra caution if you are biking or walking near the waterfront while gusts are up. Before heading out, check the latest updates from the National Weather Service along with your local transit pages to avoid any weather-related surprises.