SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – The calm evening skies across the Bay Area are deceiving—change is on the doorstep. By late tonight, a strong Pacific storm system will roar ashore, bringing howling winds, sheets of rain, and travel hazards from the coast to the hills.
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for much of Northern California, including San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, the North Bay, and coastal valleys. The advisory begins 10 p.m. Wednesday and continues through 10 a.m. Thursday. Southerly winds will strengthen to 25–35 mph, with gusts topping 45–55 mph across exposed ridges and coastal headlands. Some higher peaks could briefly exceed 60 mph.
Residents are urged to secure patio furniture, garbage bins, and any loose objects outdoors. Driving will become hazardous on bridges and elevated highways, particularly along I-80, Highway 101, and the San Mateo and Bay Bridges. Power outages and downed tree limbs are possible overnight as the front pushes inland.
Rain will increase after midnight, becoming steady through early Thursday morning. The heaviest downpours are likely during the morning commute, with totals between a quarter and half inch across urban areas. The Santa Cruz Mountains and coastal hills could receive up to an inch.
By Friday, conditions improve, leaving partly cloudy skies and cooler air before sunshine returns Saturday. The weekend looks drier and mild, ideal for cleanup or early holiday errands—but forecasters warn another system could follow next week, keeping the Bay Area locked in a classic November storm pattern.
This active stretch marks the region’s first major taste of the wet season—an early “winter tease” reminding Californians to prepare now for stronger atmospheric rivers likely to arrive later this month.
Five-Day Outlook for San Francisco, CA:
Thu: 66/52 – Windy; heavy morning rain, clearing later.
Fri: 62/51 – Scattered showers early; cooler.
Sat: 64/53 – Sunny, light breeze.
Sun: 63/52 – Mostly sunny; calm.
Mon: 64/53 – Increasing clouds; next system approaches.
