SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Rain is already falling in the North Bay as the first of two low-pressure systems moving into Northern California late this week and this weekend arrives. The storm systems are expected to bring rain, wind and mountain snow to the Bay Area and beyond. According to the National Weather Service, the storm door has opened and it will stay chilly to cold this weekend and into next week.
The Bay Area is expected to see cold and wet conditions for the next several days, including heavy rain and strong wind on Saturday, according to the NWS.
What time will it rain today?
The storm is already beginning to hit in some area, according to KRON4 Meteorologist, Kyla Grogan.
“The raindrops are falling in the North Bay as our first of two systems make their way into California,” Grogan said. “This first hit will be quick, wrapping up overnight tonight.”
Rain Thursday night into Friday will be accompanied by potential morning frost in the North Bay and to the south in the inland areas of Monterey and San Benito counties.
How much rain will we get?
Totals from this first system will be limited, according to Grogan.
“The North Bay has the best chance of meaningful rain and will see anywhere from .25 to .50, while the rest of the Bay will see about a tenth of an inch or less.”
“Friday, we catch a break from the rain that will be helpful for our morning and evening commutes,” Grogan added.
Temperatures throughout the region will be chilly on Friday with the stronger of the storms moving in Friday night in the North Bay and hitting the rest of the region on Saturday. Rainfall in the North Bay is expected to be between .5 and .75 inches and between .2 and .5 inches in San Francisco and the rest of the Bay Area. Totals in the coastal mountains could reach 1 to 1.25 inches.
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More rain on Saturday
Saturday’s rain will be heavier with the North Bay possibly seeing an additional 2-2.5 inches, San Francisco and the rest of the Bay Area getting 1-2 inches, and 1-1.5 inches in the Monterey Bay area. Coastal mountains get up to 4 inches.
Wind gusts of around 35 to 45 mph are expected Saturday with gusts up to 6 mph possible in higher elevations. Rain Sunday will be lighter with temperatures getting colder and drier conditions heading into next week.
“This second system will pack a punch rolling in overnight Friday into Saturday and lasting right thru the weekend,” Grogan said. “The North Bay will likely see the highest amounts ranging from 1-3 inches. Elsewhere in the Bay, 1-1.5 are expected.”
The second storm could also bring significant snow to higher elevations.
“Meanwhile in the Sierra, our second system brings 18-28 inches of snow area wide and at higher elevation above 7000’ 2-4 feet of snow are possible,” Grogan said.
Bay City News contributed to this report.