UPDATE: The Bay Area is finally set to dry out after days of heavy rain, but not without some lingering showers today. The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed that while scattered light showers will continue, the region can expect a significant shift to drier conditions soon.
Latest reports indicate that the transition from a relentless storm pattern, which has impacted the Bay Area since Christmas, is happening slower than expected. NWS meteorologist Joe Merchant stated, “We will eventually dry out, but there are still some scattered light showers out there,” adding that these will be “nothing like what happened Monday.”
On Monday, the Bay Area experienced a significant outburst of rain, with central San Rafael receiving approximately 1.75 inches of rainfall. Areas in Santa Cruz County recorded around 1.67 inches, while San Francisco saw 1 inch, Oakland had 0.75 inches, and San Jose received 0.33 inches. This unexpected deluge led to urban flooding and disrupted services throughout the region.
The NWS noted that the slow movement of storm cells contributed to the higher-than-anticipated rainfall totals. Merchant explained that the dynamics driving the storm were forecasted to be farther south than they actually were, causing the intense rainfall to linger longer in the Bay Area.
As the region braces for one last wave of light rain today, primarily affecting areas near Monterey and San Francisco, the forecast shows a dramatic change ahead. By tomorrow, the Bay Area will transition to a dry pattern that is expected to persist for at least a week. However, this shift will bring significantly cooler temperatures, with overnight lows dipping into the 30s and daytime highs struggling to reach the 50s.
The NWS also warned that although the recent king tides have receded to near-normal levels, beaches will remain hazardous as breaking waves could swell up to 20 feet on Thursday and Friday.
Residents are advised to stay updated on local weather reports as conditions evolve. The promise of drier weather offers much-needed relief after a series of storms, but safety precautions are essential as lingering hazards from the recent storms remain.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
