San Francisco woke up damp and mild today, with temperatures hovering near 59°F as scattered showers moved through the city. Those showers, along with a chance of thunderstorms, are expected to continue today, and a stronger, more organized storm is on track for tomorrow, bringing the highest potential for heavier downpours. If you have afternoon or evening plans, keep them flexible and keep an umbrella within reach.
Timing And What To Expect
Forecasters say shower and thunder chances peak today, then ramp up again tomorrow afternoon and evening, when the bulk of the moisture is expected to arrive. Tomorrow is set up to be the wettest day, with guidance pointing to about a half to three quarters of an inch of rain for most of the city, and locally higher totals in coastal and hill neighborhoods. The nearby coastal ranges could pick up an inch or more. Thunderstorms could bring lightning, brief heavy downpours, erratic gusts, and small hail, with wind in favored spots possibly topping 20–25 mph. According to the National Weather Service, the system may merge with a stronger Pacific low and spin up multiple rounds of rain and embedded thunderstorms.
Boating And Outdoor Plans
Boaters, anglers, and ferry riders should brace for choppy seas and gusty conditions tomorrow, with small craft advisories likely for parts of the bay and nearby coastal waters. If thunder develops, the advice is simple: get off the water and head indoors, since sudden gusts and lightning are the main hazards for small vessels. Event organizers and anyone with outdoor plans should have a wet-weather backup, plan for slower travel where water ponds on roads, and build in extra time for commutes.
Looking Ahead
By Monday, a warming and drying trend should kick in, with highs returning to the mid-60s through midweek. For background on how we ended up in this unsettled stretch, see our April 8 preview of the upcoming weather whiplash weekend.
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