‘Substantial’ Rain, Thunderstorm To Slam Bay Area: Forecast

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CA — The area's first substantial storm of the season will hit the Bay Area Monday, bringing thunderstorms, lightning, cooler temperatures, and gale-force winds, weather officials said.

A stark pattern change is on tap early in the upcoming week, with the return of widespread rainfall and isolated thunderstorms across the Bay Area on Monday and Tuesday, the National Weather Service said Monday morning.

But, while the storm is expected to be brief, forecasters said the system will leave hazardous conditions for several counties in its path — and it's going to be a cold one.

Clear morning skies were forecast to give way as conditions deteriorate quickly and the storm system arrives from the north.

Strong southwesterly winds may gust up to 35 mph in the higher terrain of the Bay Area and gusts of 35-45 mph in the higher terrain of the Central Coast, according to the National Weather Service.

Rain will begin in the North Bay, the broader Bay Area by late morning through early afternoon, and across the Central Coast this afternoon and evening, the National Weather Service wrote in a Monday forecast discussion. "The morning commute should not be impacted by rain or thunderstorms - the same cannot be said for the evening commute."

Scattered to widespread showers will move across Sonoma County, with the main rain band trailing behind. Sonoma County is seeing intermittent patches of sunshine, but scattered rain showers and a chance for thunderstorms will linger into Tuesday.

They will become more isolated while the winds decrease overall.

However, forecasters warned that the cold, clear, and calm conditions on Tuesday night will yield two hazards: near-freezing temperatures for far interior Monterey and San Benito Counties east of Highway 101 and widespread fog, forecasters said.

"With rainfall preceding this, conditions can be expected to feel colder than what the thermometer reads - please take care of people, pets, and plants. Additionally, patchy frost and black ice will be possible in sheltered interior areas. Outside of these areas, it will still be cold, so it may not be a bad idea to pull the winter linens out."

Small craft advisories are in effect with rough seas up to 10 feet expected to persist until Wednesday.
Weather officials also recommended securing and storing any outdoor items ahead of the thunderstorms.