Northern California Weather Forecast: Low clouds could impact San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show Sat.

Stay updated with the latest forecasts and plan accordingly, especially if you're attending outdoor events like Fleet Week.Photo bySimon FitallonUnsplash

San Francisco, CA – A cold front moving into Northern California today is expected to bring light rain to the North Bay region, with coastal areas such as Sonoma County seeing the brunt of the precipitation. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), this cold front will initiate a brief period of wet weather before warmer conditions return to the Bay Area early next week.

Light Showers Begin in Sonoma County

As of Saturday morning, light scattered rain showers had already reached coastal portions of Sonoma County, with heavier rain concentrated along the northern reaches of the region, particularly near the Sonoma-Mendocino county line. Sea Ranch, located on the far northern Sonoma coast, has reported significant rainfall totals of 0.26 inches over the last six hours, reflecting the variability of the storm’s impact.

While most areas along the coast are seeing only a few hundredths of an inch of rain, NWS forecasters suggest that showers could continue throughout the morning, with a 20-25% chance of rain extending to the San Francisco Peninsula and the East Bay. However, these showers are expected to be light, with trace amounts expected in these regions.

Minimal Impact South of the Golden Gate

For those in San Francisco and areas further south, the rain is expected to be far less impactful. Trace amounts or a few hundredths of an inch are forecast, leaving many regions dry for much of the day. Despite the limited rainfall, cloud cover and low ceilings are anticipated, which could affect visibility during Fleet Week aerial demonstrations scheduled for today.

Inland temperatures will remain mild, with highs ranging from the mid-60s along the coast to low 80s in interior valleys like the Santa Clara Valley and East Bay. Tonight, the region will see cloudier skies, with potential drizzle along the coast, as well as in upslope regions.

Warming Trend Ahead

Looking ahead, forecasters expect a warming trend to develop Sunday through Tuesday, with temperatures rising into the 70s and 80s across much of the Bay Area. However, this reprieve will be short-lived, as another, more substantial storm system is predicted to arrive by midweek, bringing more widespread rain to the region.

For those disappointed by today's light showers, there’s hope on the horizon as the Bay Area could see more significant rainfall starting next Wednesday, as the stronger system approaches.