California greets the morning with damp streets, glowing brake lights, and rain tapping steadily on rooftops. Clouds hang low over the Bay, and puddles spread quickly along curbs and ramps.
According to the National Weather Service, rain continues across San Francisco and the Bay Area today, with the steadiest showers falling through the morning and midday hours. Roads remain slick, and visibility may briefly dip during heavier bursts.
Travel impacts build early. Drivers should expect slower movement on I-80, U.S. 101, I-280, and the Bay Bridge, where wet pavement increases braking distance. Even light rain can snarl traffic during peak hours, especially near construction zones and tunnels.
Temperatures stay mild for December. Highs reach the upper 50s to near 60 this afternoon. Winds remain light, limiting hazards to mainly wet roads rather than wind-driven issues. Still, standing water may develop in low-lying spots during periods of steadier rain.
By Thursday, showers become more scattered. Clouds linger, but some dry breaks emerge. Rain chances increase again Friday, especially later in the day, signaling a familiar winter rhythm for Northern California.
Looking toward Friday, December 19, rain likely continues into the evening. While flooding is not currently expected, repeated rounds of rain can stress drains and slow travel just as Christmas travel ramps up. Drivers heading north or south along major corridors should monitor conditions closely.
For now, snow is not a concern at lower elevations. However, models hint at colder air and mountain snow chances later next week in higher terrain, a reminder that winter patterns are settling in across the West.
What to do today:
Allow extra travel time. Use headlights in rain. Avoid sudden braking. Watch for slick crosswalks and bike lanes.
Five-Day Outlook for San Francisco, CA
- Today: Rain, cloudy, high near 61
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy, spotty rain, high near 59
- Friday: Rain likely, high near 60
- Saturday: Rain likely, high near 59
- Sunday: Rain continues, high near 59
