Stephanie K. Baer

The Bay Area was under a flood watch Saturday afternoon through Monday morning as another storm with &#8220;potentially damaging&#8221; rain and winds made its way into the region.

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The Bay Area was under a flood watch Saturday afternoon through Monday morning as another storm with "potentially damaging" rain and winds made its way into the region.

The Bay Area was under a flood watch Saturday afternoon through Monday morning as another storm with &#8220;potentially damaging&#8221; rain and winds made its way into the region.

The National Weather Service said its forecast of a moderate risk of excessive rainfall on Sunday has been expanded to include the San Francisco Peninsula. The flood watch is in effect from 4 p.m. Saturday until 10 a.m. Monday.

The National Weather Service said its forecast of a moderate risk of excessive rainfall on Sunday has been expanded to include the San Francisco Peninsula. The flood watch is in effect from 4 p.m. Saturday until 10 a.m. Monday.

&#8220;Travel is highly discouraged on Sunday,&#8221; the NWS said on X Saturday.

"Travel is highly discouraged on Sunday," the NWS said on X Saturday.

&#8220;Travel is highly discouraged on Sunday,&#8221; the NWS said on X Saturday.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Now is the time to finish up any outdoors preparations ahead of the incoming system. Travel is highly discouraged on Sunday. A moderate risk of excessive rainfall has been expanded to now include the San Mateo and SF Peninsula on Sunday. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CAwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/fZU07eino8">pic.twitter.com/fZU07eino8</a>&mdash; NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSBayArea/status/1753871622099046609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Strong winds are also expected to hit the Bay, with a high wind warning for coastal areas and high terrain. Peaks and ridges could see gusts as high as 80 mph, while gusts of 70 mph are possible in lower terrain, especially in coastal areas.

Strong winds are also expected to hit the Bay, with a high wind warning for coastal areas and high terrain. Peaks and ridges could see gusts as high as 80 mph, while gusts of 70 mph are possible in lower terrain, especially in coastal areas.

The weather service described this system&#8217;s winds and rain as &#8220;potentially damaging&#8221; and warned residents of downed trees and flooding of roads, streams and areas with poor drainage.

The weather service described this system's winds and rain as "potentially damaging" and warned residents of downed trees and flooding of roads, streams and areas with poor drainage.

The weather service described this system&#8217;s winds and rain as &#8220;potentially damaging&#8221; and warned residents of downed trees and flooding of roads, streams and areas with poor drainage.

The majority of the rainfall will happen overnight Saturday into Sunday, according to the NWS&#8217;s latest forecast. San Francisco, Oakland, the East Bay Hills and lower elevations on the peninsula and in the North Bay could see 2.5 to 3 inches of rainfall from the storm. Meanwhile, the highest peaks of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Big Sur coast could get 6 to 8 inches, according to the weather service.

The majority of the rainfall will happen overnight Saturday into Sunday, according to the NWS's latest forecast. San Francisco, Oakland, the East Bay Hills and lower elevations on the peninsula and in the North Bay could see 2.5 to 3 inches of rainfall from the storm. Meanwhile, the highest peaks of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Big Sur coast could get 6 to 8 inches, according to the weather service.

The majority of the rainfall will happen overnight Saturday into Sunday, according to the NWS&#8217;s latest forecast. San Francisco, Oakland, the East Bay Hills and lower elevations on the peninsula and in the North Bay could see 2.5 to 3 inches of rainfall from the storm. Meanwhile, the highest peaks of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Big Sur coast could get 6 to 8 inches, according to the weather service.

‘Travel highly discouraged’ Sunday as rain, strong winds return to the Bay Area

Garrett Leahy

Travelers bound for the Sierras should be wary, as a winter storm could dump snow over the mountains this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Travelers bound for the Sierras should be wary, as a winter storm could dump snow over the mountains this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

A <a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=CAZ072&amp;warncounty=CAC017&amp;firewxzone=CAZ272&amp;local_place1=South%20Lake%20Tahoe%20CA&amp;product1=Winter+Storm+Warning&amp;lat=38.9481&amp;lon=-119.968">winter storm warning</a> from the NWS says travel could be difficult in the Greater Lake Tahoe area due to heavy snow and whiteout conditions over the weekend. The warning will be in effect from 7 a.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday.

A <a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=CAZ072&amp;warncounty=CAC017&amp;firewxzone=CAZ272&amp;local_place1=South%20Lake%20Tahoe%20CA&amp;product1=Winter+Storm+Warning&amp;lat=38.9481&amp;lon=-119.968">winter storm warning</a> from the NWS says travel could be difficult in the Greater Lake Tahoe area due to heavy snow and whiteout conditions over the weekend. The warning will be in effect from 7 a.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday.

Areas around Lake Tahoe could see between 5 and 10 inches and areas above 7,000 feet could see between 10 and 20 inches. Wind gusts will be as high as 50 mph in lower elevations and between 80 and 100 mph over mountain ridges.

Areas around Lake Tahoe could see between 5 and 10 inches and areas above 7,000 feet could see between 10 and 20 inches. Wind gusts will be as high as 50 mph in lower elevations and between 80 and 100 mph over mountain ridges.

The NWS said traveling through the Sierras during the storm will be &#8220;difficult to impossible&#8221; and advises people should change their travel plans if possible. If people must travel, they should carry tire chains, food and water.

The NWS said traveling through the Sierras during the storm will be "difficult to impossible" and advises people should change their travel plans if possible. If people must travel, they should carry tire chains, food and water.

The NWS said traveling through the Sierras during the storm will be &#8220;difficult to impossible&#8221; and advises people should change their travel plans if possible. If people must travel, they should carry tire chains, food and water.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">A winter storm arrives Sat-Sun bringing strong westerly winds, periods of heavy Sierra Nevada snow, and lighter snow into NE CA and W NV. Difficult to impossible travel is possible in the Sierra. Change your plans if possible. For more details visit: <a href="https://t.co/9CJiCIsa9c">https://t.co/9CJiCIsa9c</a> <a href="https://t.co/JHTTkIOWCD">pic.twitter.com/JHTTkIOWCD</a>&mdash; NWS Reno (@NWSReno) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSReno/status/1743051620936810886?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

There is also a winter weather advisory warning of whiteout conditions in Lassen County, eastern Plumas County and eastern Sierra County. The advisory is in effect from 7 a.m. Saturday to 4 a.m. Sunday and forecasts 4 inches of snow in valley areas and between 5 and 10 inches in the mountains. Gusts as high as 50 miles per hour are expected and travel through these area will be &#8220;very difficult&#8221; due to the conditions.

There is also a winter weather advisory warning of whiteout conditions in Lassen County, eastern Plumas County and eastern Sierra County. The advisory is in effect from 7 a.m. Saturday to 4 a.m. Sunday and forecasts 4 inches of snow in valley areas and between 5 and 10 inches in the mountains. Gusts as high as 50 miles per hour are expected and travel through these area will be "very difficult" due to the conditions.

There is also a winter weather advisory warning of whiteout conditions in Lassen County, eastern Plumas County and eastern Sierra County. The advisory is in effect from 7 a.m. Saturday to 4 a.m. Sunday and forecasts 4 inches of snow in valley areas and between 5 and 10 inches in the mountains. Gusts as high as 50 miles per hour are expected and travel through these area will be &#8220;very difficult&#8221; due to the conditions.

Tahoe blizzard expected this weekend; travel may be ‘impossible,’ weather service says

California is beginning 2024 with a below-normal mountain snowpack a year after it had one of its best starts in decades, and officials said Tuesday that the weather whiplash has made the outcome of this winter uncertain.

California is beginning 2024 with a below-normal mountain snowpack a year after it had one of its best starts in decades, and officials said Tuesday that the weather whiplash has made the outcome of this winter uncertain.

The water content of the statewide snowpack was 25% of the average to date, said Sean de Guzman, a water supply forecasting official with the California Department of Water Resources.

The water content of the statewide snowpack was 25% of the average to date, said Sean de Guzman, a water supply forecasting official with the California Department of Water Resources.

The snowpack functions as a huge frozen reservoir, providing about 30% of the water used annually in California as it melts and runs off into streams and rivers in the spring.

The snowpack functions as a huge frozen reservoir, providing about 30% of the water used annually in California as it melts and runs off into streams and rivers in the spring.

De Guzman conducted the first in a seasonal series of manual measurements on a snow course in the Sierra Nevada at Phillips Station, south of Lake Tahoe. The department also collects measurements with electronic instruments at more than 260 other sites.

De Guzman conducted the first in a seasonal series of manual measurements on a snow course in the Sierra Nevada at Phillips Station, south of Lake Tahoe. The department also collects measurements with electronic instruments at more than 260 other sites.

In this photo provided by the California Department of Water Resources, manager Sean de Guzman, right, and engineer Anthony Burdock weigh the aluminum snow depth survey pole to measure the water content during the first snow survey of the year in Phillips Station, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. California is beginning 2024 with a below-normal mountain snowpack a year after it had one of its best starts in decades with storms that eventually pulled the state out of drought. (Xavier MascareÒas/California Department of Water Resources via AP)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ap24002737408589.jpg?w=1024" alt="Two people in blue jackets use a weighing scale outdoors." class="wp-image-236706"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">California Department of Water Resources engineer Anthony Burdock, left, and manager Sean de Guzman weigh the aluminum snow depth survey pole to measure the water content during the first snow survey of the year in Phillips Station, California, on Tuesday.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ap24002737408589.jpg?w=1024" alt="Two people in blue jackets use a weighing scale outdoors." class="wp-image-236706"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">California Department of Water Resources engineer Anthony Burdock, left, and manager Sean de Guzman weigh the aluminum snow depth survey pole to measure the water content during the first snow survey of the year in Phillips Station, California, on Tuesday.</figcaption></figure>

De Guzman and his crew methodically worked across a field with minimal snow and a checkerboard of bare spots, measuring and weighing samples. A year ago, there were nearly 5 feet of snow at the location and the statewide snowpack was at 177% of average, he said in a webcast.

De Guzman and his crew methodically worked across a field with minimal snow and a checkerboard of bare spots, measuring and weighing samples. A year ago, there were nearly 5 feet of snow at the location and the statewide snowpack was at 177% of average, he said in a webcast.

This time at Phillips Station, he recorded a snow depth of 7.5 inches and a snow-water content of 3 inches, translating to 30% of the average to date and 12% of the average on April 1, when the Sierra snowpack is typically at its peak.

This time at Phillips Station, he recorded a snow depth of 7.5 inches and a snow-water content of 3 inches, translating to 30% of the average to date and 12% of the average on April 1, when the Sierra snowpack is typically at its peak.

&#8220;Today&#8217;s result shows that it&#8217;s really still too early to determine what kind of year we&#8217;ll have in terms of wet or dry,&#8221; de Guzman said, adding that many things can happen with storm systems between January and April.

"Today's result shows that it's really still too early to determine what kind of year we'll have in terms of wet or dry," de Guzman said, adding that many things can happen with storm systems between January and April.

&#8220;Today&#8217;s result shows that it&#8217;s really still too early to determine what kind of year we&#8217;ll have in terms of wet or dry,&#8221; de Guzman said, adding that many things can happen with storm systems between January and April.

Still, he noted, the state&#8217;s reservoir storage is at 116% of average, thanks in part to last year&#8217;s wet winter, which pulled the state out of a yearslong drought.

Still, he noted, the state's reservoir storage is at 116% of average, thanks in part to last year's wet winter, which pulled the state out of a yearslong drought.

Still, he noted, the state&#8217;s reservoir storage is at 116% of average, thanks in part to last year&#8217;s wet winter, which pulled the state out of a yearslong drought.

In addition, there&#8217;s currently a strong El Niño, a natural and occasional warming of part of the Pacific Ocean that can lead to more precipitation than usual in California, but doesn&#8217;t always come through.

In addition, there's currently a strong El Niño, a natural and occasional warming of part of the Pacific Ocean that can lead to more precipitation than usual in California, but doesn't always come through.

In addition, there&#8217;s currently a strong El Niño, a natural and occasional warming of part of the Pacific Ocean that can lead to more precipitation than usual in California, but doesn&#8217;t always come through.

In this photo provided by the California Department of Water Resources, managers and engineers conduct the first snow survey of the year in Phillips Station, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. California is beginning 2024 with a below-normal mountain snowpack a year after it had one of its best starts in decades with storms that eventually pulled the state out of drought. (

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ap24002736675808.jpg?w=1024" alt="Three people in blue jackets explore a snowy field near a wooden cabin and dense forest." class="wp-image-236707"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Managers and engineers conduct the first snow survey of the year in Phillips Station, California, on Tuesday.</figcaption></figure>

&#8220;Right now, the Climate Prediction Center&#8217;s seasonal outlook for January, February, March is still showing an increased chance of above-normal precipitation and snow,&#8221; de Guzman said.

"Right now, the Climate Prediction Center's seasonal outlook for January, February, March is still showing an increased chance of above-normal precipitation and snow," de Guzman said.

&#8220;Right now, the Climate Prediction Center&#8217;s seasonal outlook for January, February, March is still showing an increased chance of above-normal precipitation and snow,&#8221; de Guzman said.

A year ago, the early January snowpack was already exceptional amid a barrage of atmospheric river storms that stood in stark contrast to three preceding years of drought. By April 2023, the snowpack was 237% of average to date.

A year ago, the early January snowpack was already exceptional amid a barrage of atmospheric river storms that stood in stark contrast to three preceding years of drought. By April 2023, the snowpack was 237% of average to date.

The storms caused deadly and damaging flooding and crushed buildings with towering loads of snow, but when the state&#8217;s Oct. 1-Sept. 30 &#8220;water year&#8221; ended, enough rain and snow had fallen to fill the state&#8217;s reservoirs to 128% of their historical average.

The storms caused deadly and damaging flooding and crushed buildings with towering loads of snow, but when the state's Oct. 1-Sept. 30 "water year" ended, enough rain and snow had fallen to fill the state's reservoirs to 128% of their historical average.

The storms caused deadly and damaging flooding and crushed buildings with towering loads of snow, but when the state&#8217;s Oct. 1-Sept. 30 &#8220;water year&#8221; ended, enough rain and snow had fallen to fill the state&#8217;s reservoirs to 128% of their historical average.

In this photo provided by the California Department of Water Resources, bare spots in the snow are seen in the meadow where the first snow survey of the year took place in Phillips Station, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. California is beginning 2024 with a below-normal mountain snowpack a year after it had one of its best starts in decades with storms that eventually pulled the state out of drought.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ap24002736193250.jpg?w=1024" alt="Sparse young pine trees emerge from a snow-dusted field with dry grass patches." class="wp-image-236708"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bare spots in the snow are seen in the meadow where the first snow survey of the year took place in Phillips Station, California, on Tuesday.</figcaption></figure>

Up to 2 Feet of Snow May Fall in Sierra This Week

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-up-to-2-feet-of-snow-may-fall-in-sierra-this-week">Up to 2 Feet of Snow May Fall in Sierra This Week</h2>

The National Weather Service <a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=CAZ072&amp;warncounty=CAC017&amp;firewxzone=CAZ272&amp;local_place1=South%20Lake%20Tahoe%20CA&amp;product1=Winter+Weather+Advisory&amp;lat=38.9481&amp;lon=-119.968">issued a winter weather advisory</a> for the Lake Tahoe area from 7 p.m. Tuesday to 1 a.m. Thursday.

The National Weather Service <a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=CAZ072&amp;warncounty=CAC017&amp;firewxzone=CAZ272&amp;local_place1=South%20Lake%20Tahoe%20CA&amp;product1=Winter+Weather+Advisory&amp;lat=38.9481&amp;lon=-119.968">issued a winter weather advisory</a> for the Lake Tahoe area from 7 p.m. Tuesday to 1 a.m. Thursday.

On Tuesday evening, snow accumulations of 5 to 11 inches were expected above 7,000 feet. More snow was expected Wednesday, and again on Saturday.

On Tuesday evening, snow accumulations of 5 to 11 inches were expected above 7,000 feet. More snow was expected Wednesday, and again on Saturday.

Wind gusts as high as 80 mph were forecast along the Sierra crest and up to 45 mph in the basin.

Wind gusts as high as 80 mph were forecast along the Sierra crest and up to 45 mph in the basin.

Even more snow was expected in Western Plumas County, including the cities of Chester, Quincy and Blue Canyon. Total snow accumulations of up to 19 inches were expected above 4,000 feet, with up to 24 inches over the highest peaks, and winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

Even more snow was expected in Western Plumas County, including the cities of Chester, Quincy and Blue Canyon. Total snow accumulations of up to 19 inches were expected above 4,000 feet, with up to 24 inches over the highest peaks, and winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

The snow was expected to be heaviest from 9 p.m. Tuesday through 4 a.m. Wednesday.

The snow was expected to be heaviest from 9 p.m. Tuesday through 4 a.m. Wednesday.

&#8220;Travel could be very difficult to impossible with travel delays, chain controls, snow-covered roads and reduced visibility at times,&#8221; the weather service said.

"Travel could be very difficult to impossible with travel delays, chain controls, snow-covered roads and reduced visibility at times," the weather service said.

&#8220;Travel could be very difficult to impossible with travel delays, chain controls, snow-covered roads and reduced visibility at times,&#8221; the weather service said.

California starts 2024 with below-normal snowpack, but big storm headed for Sierra

George Kelly

Wet weather conditions are set to soak the Bay Area and beyond this week, thanks to the first set of significant storms forecasted to roll through the region since last winter’s series of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/10/atmospheric-rivers-flood-california-with-more-rain-snow/">atmospheric river-fueled downpours</a>.

Atmospheric rivers flood California with more rain, snow

Wet weather conditions are set to soak the Bay Area and beyond this week, thanks to the first set of significant storms forecasted to roll through the region since last winter’s series of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/10/atmospheric-rivers-flood-california-with-more-rain-snow/">atmospheric river-fueled downpours</a>.

The first showers arrived Sunday morning, with light sprinkles giving way to street-soaking rains as a front began moving onshore in advance of a low-pressure system approaching the Pacific Northwest and California’s coast.

The first showers arrived Sunday morning, with light sprinkles giving way to street-soaking rains as a front began moving onshore in advance of a low-pressure system approaching the Pacific Northwest and California’s coast.

More recent models show this week&#8217;s rains won&#8217;t be as tightly gathered and immediately impactful as previous storms, National Weather Service meteorologist Brayden Murdock said.

More recent models show this week's rains won't be as tightly gathered and immediately impactful as previous storms, National Weather Service meteorologist Brayden Murdock said.

More recent models show this week&#8217;s rains won&#8217;t be as tightly gathered and immediately impactful as previous storms, National Weather Service meteorologist Brayden Murdock said.

&#8220;It&#8217;s not going to be very well organized,&#8221; Murdock told The Standard Sunday morning. &#8220;It&#8217;s going to be kind of more off and on rain for a good portion of the day.&#8221;

"It's not going to be very well organized," Murdock told The Standard Sunday morning. "It's going to be kind of more off and on rain for a good portion of the day."

&#8220;It&#8217;s not going to be very well organized,&#8221; Murdock told The Standard Sunday morning. &#8220;It&#8217;s going to be kind of more off and on rain for a good portion of the day.&#8221;

He added that people could expect &#8220;just a lot of showery activity and plenty of gray skies&#8221; throughout Sunday.

He added that people could expect "just a lot of showery activity and plenty of gray skies" throughout Sunday.

He added that people could expect &#8220;just a lot of showery activity and plenty of gray skies&#8221; throughout Sunday.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Good morning all! Here&#39;s a quick look at radar over the last two hours this morning. Some lightning has been seen with cells over the water. Predominantly light rain and scattered showers are expected today, with more widespread rain showers beginning tomorrow. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CAwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/8c0xJRVZrl">pic.twitter.com/8c0xJRVZrl</a>&mdash; NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSBayArea/status/1736417799101432163?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2023</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/28/what-to-expect-when-youre-expecting-bad-bay-area-weather/">What to Expect When You’re Expecting Bad Bay Area Weather</a>

What to expect when you&#8217;re expecting bad Bay Area weather

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/28/what-to-expect-when-youre-expecting-bad-bay-area-weather/">What to Expect When You’re Expecting Bad Bay Area Weather</a>

Early Monday, the cold front and close following low-pressure system will bring moderate to heavy rain, affecting rush-hour commutes on roadways and likely causing delays for BART. As the afternoon approaches, the rain will move inland, leaving showers to continue into Tuesday.

Early Monday, the cold front and close following low-pressure system will bring moderate to heavy rain, affecting rush-hour commutes on roadways and likely causing delays for BART. As the afternoon approaches, the rain will move inland, leaving showers to continue into Tuesday.

By then, another low-pressure system will approach California&#8217;s coast, bringing a new round of lighter showers. Forecast models show that the system will continue south along the coast and send wet weather to central and southern California, including some of the strongest rains since <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/photos-california-reels-in-aftermath-of-tropical-storm-hilary/">Tropical Storm Hilary</a>.

Dramatic photos: Southern California reels in aftermath of Tropical Storm Hilary

By then, another low-pressure system will approach California's coast, bringing a new round of lighter showers. Forecast models show that the system will continue south along the coast and send wet weather to central and southern California, including some of the strongest rains since <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/photos-california-reels-in-aftermath-of-tropical-storm-hilary/">Tropical Storm Hilary</a>.

By then, another low-pressure system will approach California&#8217;s coast, bringing a new round of lighter showers. Forecast models show that the system will continue south along the coast and send wet weather to central and southern California, including some of the strongest rains since <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/photos-california-reels-in-aftermath-of-tropical-storm-hilary/">Tropical Storm Hilary</a>.

By Thursday, drier conditions will creep back in and offer a bit of respite as the week closes, with chances of rain rising again just before Christmas Day, Murdock said.

By Thursday, drier conditions will creep back in and offer a bit of respite as the week closes, with chances of rain rising again just before Christmas Day, Murdock said.

&#8220;We could see another shot of rain coming through,&#8221; he said. &#8220;But the models aren’t in the best agreement on that one just yet.&#8221;

"We could see another shot of rain coming through," he said. "But the models aren’t in the best agreement on that one just yet."

&#8220;We could see another shot of rain coming through,&#8221; he said. &#8220;But the models aren’t in the best agreement on that one just yet.&#8221;

According to the weather service, most Bay Area cities and towns should see 2 to 3 inches of rain this week. Since Oct. 1, Downtown San Francisco has logged about 2.38 inches of rain. That&#8217;s short of the average 6.54 inches the city sees from Oct. 1 through Dec. 17, <a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=mtr&amp;issuedby=MTR&amp;product=AFD">making this year the 26th driest</a> out of 173 years’ worth of daily measurements, according to the agency.

According to the weather service, most Bay Area cities and towns should see 2 to 3 inches of rain this week. Since Oct. 1, Downtown San Francisco has logged about 2.38 inches of rain. That's short of the average 6.54 inches the city sees from Oct. 1 through Dec. 17, <a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=mtr&amp;issuedby=MTR&amp;product=AFD">making this year the 26th driest</a> out of 173 years’ worth of daily measurements, according to the agency.

According to the weather service, most Bay Area cities and towns should see 2 to 3 inches of rain this week. Since Oct. 1, Downtown San Francisco has logged about 2.38 inches of rain. That&#8217;s short of the average 6.54 inches the city sees from Oct. 1 through Dec. 17, <a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=mtr&amp;issuedby=MTR&amp;product=AFD">making this year the 26th driest</a> out of 173 years’ worth of daily measurements, according to the agency.

A USPS mail carrier is seen on California Street in San Francisco on January 11, 2023 as atmospheric river storms hit California. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GettyImages-1246171732.jpg?w=594" alt="A man in a US Postal Service uniform walks on a wet sidewalk" class="wp-image-143138"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A U.S. Postal Service mail carrier walks down a San Francisco street during a storm in January. </figcaption></figure>

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/18/california-drought-reservoirs-rain/">Wet Weather Is Here. Will It Keep California’s Reservoirs in Good Shape?</a>

Wet weather is here. Will it keep California’s reservoirs in good shape?

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/18/california-drought-reservoirs-rain/">Wet Weather Is Here. Will It Keep California’s Reservoirs in Good Shape?</a>

Farther afield, Murdock said he didn’t see much coming for widespread urban or small-stream flooding advisories or alerts, let alone impactful rain for air travel. On Bay waters, a rare southerly swell and some stronger winds approaching gale force (above 34 knots per hour) along northern Marin and Sonoma coastal waters could pose dangers for smaller craft and concern for larger vessels.&nbsp;

Farther afield, Murdock said he didn’t see much coming for widespread urban or small-stream flooding advisories or alerts, let alone impactful rain for air travel. On Bay waters, a rare southerly swell and some stronger winds approaching gale force (above 34 knots per hour) along northern Marin and Sonoma coastal waters could pose dangers for smaller craft and concern for larger vessels.&nbsp;

As for snow and ice forecasts for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/16/ski-season-opening-tahoe-delayed-two-resorts/">Lake Tahoe</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/17/tahoe-ski-costs-winter-2023-2024/">the Sierra</a> for the week, Murdock said “a lot of moisture will wind up tracking their way as we go kind of late Monday, Tuesday and then into Wednesday.&#8221;

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As for snow and ice forecasts for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/16/ski-season-opening-tahoe-delayed-two-resorts/">Lake Tahoe</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/17/tahoe-ski-costs-winter-2023-2024/">the Sierra</a> for the week, Murdock said “a lot of moisture will wind up tracking their way as we go kind of late Monday, Tuesday and then into Wednesday."

As for snow and ice forecasts for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/16/ski-season-opening-tahoe-delayed-two-resorts/">Lake Tahoe</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/17/tahoe-ski-costs-winter-2023-2024/">the Sierra</a> for the week, Murdock said “a lot of moisture will wind up tracking their way as we go kind of late Monday, Tuesday and then into Wednesday.&#8221;

&#8220;As far as snow levels go, since the cold front has plenty of warm air ahead of it, the snow levels won&#8217;t get as low as if this was like a full-on low pressure dragging in just cold air by itself,&#8221; he said. &#8220;So it might not be the perfect setup for snow, but snow&#8217;s still a possibility this year.&#8221;

"As far as snow levels go, since the cold front has plenty of warm air ahead of it, the snow levels won't get as low as if this was like a full-on low pressure dragging in just cold air by itself," he said. "So it might not be the perfect setup for snow, but snow's still a possibility this year."

&#8220;As far as snow levels go, since the cold front has plenty of warm air ahead of it, the snow levels won&#8217;t get as low as if this was like a full-on low pressure dragging in just cold air by itself,&#8221; he said. &#8220;So it might not be the perfect setup for snow, but snow&#8217;s still a possibility this year.&#8221;

Wet weather set to soak the Bay Area this week

High tides expected this weekend have prompted forecasters to issue a beach hazard statement for Bay Area coasts, warning beach visitors of possible sneaker waves and coastal flooding.

High tides expected this weekend have prompted forecasters to issue a beach hazard statement for Bay Area coasts, warning beach visitors of possible sneaker waves and coastal flooding.

There will be increased risk of sneaker waves along the coastline from Sonoma County to Monterey County, from 10 p.m. Friday through 8 a.m. Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

There will be increased risk of sneaker waves along the coastline from Sonoma County to Monterey County, from 10 p.m. Friday through 8 a.m. Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

&#8220;Beachgoers and tide poolers should use caution and watch out for unexpected waves that can sweep you off your feet,&#8221; the weather service said.

"Beachgoers and tide poolers should use caution and watch out for unexpected waves that can sweep you off your feet," the weather service said.

&#8220;Beachgoers and tide poolers should use caution and watch out for unexpected waves that can sweep you off your feet,&#8221; the weather service said.

In addition, chilly nighttime temperatures around the Bay Area are expected to persist into next week, with some areas dipping to the mid-30s, according to the weather service.

In addition, chilly nighttime temperatures around the Bay Area are expected to persist into next week, with some areas dipping to the mid-30s, according to the weather service.

RELATED: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/16/just-1-san-francisco-bay-area-beach-made-the-cleanliness-honor-roll-these-others-got-fs-for-fecal-matter/">Bummer! Beware of Feces at San Francisco Bay Area Beaches</a>

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RELATED: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/16/just-1-san-francisco-bay-area-beach-made-the-cleanliness-honor-roll-these-others-got-fs-for-fecal-matter/">Bummer! Beware of Feces at San Francisco Bay Area Beaches</a>

A freeze warning will take effect at 10 p.m. Friday for interior Monterey and San Benito counties and expire at 10 a.m. Saturday. North Bay valleys will have a frost advisory starting at 10 p.m. Friday and into Saturday morning.

A freeze warning will take effect at 10 p.m. Friday for interior Monterey and San Benito counties and expire at 10 a.m. Saturday. North Bay valleys will have a frost advisory starting at 10 p.m. Friday and into Saturday morning.

Hazardous sneaker waves, flooding possible along Bay Area coast this weekend

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Search Results for: weather

‘Travel highly discouraged’ Sunday as rain, strong winds return to the Bay Area

Tahoe blizzard expected this weekend; travel may be ‘impossible,’ weather service says

California starts 2024 with below-normal snowpack, but big storm headed for Sierra

Wet weather set to soak the Bay Area this week

Hazardous sneaker waves, flooding possible along Bay Area coast this weekend