Northern California is preparing for its first significant storm of the fall season, as meteorologists from the National Weather Service indicate that a robust wet front is on track to bring widespread rain to the area this week.
The wet front, originating approximately 300 miles west of Bodega Bay, was reported on Monday morning, with ominous clouds beginning to gather in the region. Following a recent period of dry weather, rain is expected to start in earnest from late Monday into Tuesday.
The Bay Area, particularly the North Bay, is likely to receive varying amounts of rainfall from this week’s storm. While the anticipated rain might not permanently end fire season, it will significantly moisten the vegetation, thereby lowering fire risks, especially in regions such as the Coastal Ranges and northern Sierra, according to Anthony Edwards, a meteorologist for the San Francisco Chronicle.
The initial storm system will yield light to moderate rainfall, with the North Bay hills projected to receive the heaviest downpours. Additionally, coastal and elevated areas should brace for gusty southerly winds, as outlined by the National Weather Service.
Forecasters have noted that calmer weather patterns will not linger, as a second cold front is forecast to arrive by Wednesday. This upcoming system is expected to be stronger than the one moving in later Monday.
As the week progresses, showers are likely to persist, accompanied by cooler temperatures and a potential for thunderstorms. Although the storm is projected to taper off by Thursday, unsettled weather conditions may carry into the weekend as another low-pressure system approaches the region.
Rainfall estimates predict that the North Bay could see up to half an inch of precipitation, while the rest of the Bay Area may receive between a few hundredths of an inch and a quarter-inch.
Motorists in the area are advised to prepare for slick roads and reduced visibility during their commutes. Residents living in flood-prone areas should remain vigilant for potential localized flooding as the storm unfolds.
As the rain subsides by Thursday, residents can expect a shift from dark skies to sunny conditions.
Forecasts for several Bay Area cities on Tuesday indicate a cautious outlook, with low chances of rain expected in the morning.
In San Francisco, there is a 10 percent chance of rain before 11 a.m., transitioning to mostly sunny skies with a high near 71 degrees and light southwest winds between 5 to 10 mph.
In Berkeley, similar conditions are anticipated, with a 10 percent chance of rain in the morning, yielding to partly sunny weather and a high around 68 degrees, accompanied by southwest winds of 3 to 7 mph.
San Rafael is forecasted to experience a 10 percent chance of rain before 11 a.m., mostly sunny conditions with a high near 76, and a 40 percent chance of rain arriving after 11 p.m., bringing mostly cloudy skies with a low around 60 degrees.
Pleasanton will likely remain mostly sunny with a high near 76 degrees; however, a 30 percent chance of rain is expected to develop by Wednesday.
In Healdsburg, there is a 20 percent chance of rain, with patchy fog anticipated in the morning, transitioning to partly sunny conditions and a high of 71 degrees later in the day, with south-southwest winds of 5 to 7 mph.
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