San Francisco, California – Dawn breaks through a pale coastal haze as the city wakes to damp sidewalks, drifting fog, and a cool breeze rolling off the Bay. Ferry horns echo softly across the water, and the early calm feels like the quiet before a midweek shift—right as Thanksgiving travel begins to build across the Bay Area.
According to the National Weather Service, clouds increase today and set the stage for a stronger Pacific system expected Wednesday night. A chance of rain develops late Wednesday afternoon, then becomes likely after sunset with an 80 percent chance of steady rainfall heading into early Thursday. Drivers along I-80, Highway 101, and the Bay Bridge should prepare for slower travel, slick pavement, and reduced visibility during the late-night commute.
Today brings a partly sunny stretch with highs near the lower 60s, though the warmth is brief. Models hint at a clear Winter Tease with cooler nighttime lows in the upper 40s and a thicker marine layer returning by dusk. For now, snow remains well above the Sierra, but travelers heading east toward Donner Summit should monitor conditions for early changes as cold air deepens behind the system.
Rain continues into Thursday morning before tapering late morning as highs reach the upper 50s. A drier window opens Thursday night, improving conditions for those traveling later in the day.
Friday turns sunny with highs in the low 60s, offering a clean travel day for early holiday departures. Saturday and Sunday stay mostly sunny and mild, creating ideal conditions for outdoor decorating, errands, or pre-Thanksgiving gatherings before another Pacific system approaches next week.
Five-Day Outlook for San Francisco, California
Tuesday: Becoming sunny, high 62.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, low 51.
Wednesday: Partly sunny early, rain late, high 61.
Wednesday Night: Rain likely, low 52.
Thursday: Rain likely early, high 60.
