Here Comes The Rain Again, With Wind And Thunder Possible: Sonoma County

BAY AREA, CA — A fast-moving low-pressure system is set to bring the Bay Area and Central Coast their first substantial rainfall in more than a month beginning later today, along with gusty winds and a chance of thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service.

Rain is expected to begin this afternoon or evening, with showers becoming widespread overnight and continuing through Wednesday morning. Forecasters say most areas can expect between a quarter and half an inch of rain by Wednesday, with lighter showers lingering into early Thursday.

The highest chances of rain begin after about 2 p.m. today, with cloudy skies and daytime highs in the low 50s. Rain is likely tonight, with overnight lows in the upper 40s and gusty winds. Showers continue on Wednesday, followed by rain tapering off Wednesday night. Thursday is expected to be mostly sunny and drier.

In addition to rain, strong winds are a concern, especially along the coast and in higher terrain. South winds could gust between 40 and 50 mph along the Big Sur coast and in parts of Monterey and San Benito counties from this afternoon into Wednesday morning.

There is also a general chance of thunderstorms from this afternoon through Wednesday. Any storms could bring lightning, brief heavy downpours, small hail, and localized strong wind gusts.
While the return of rain, wind, and storm chances is certain, forecasters say the exact strength of the system remains unclear. “What makes the forecast challenging is how close the low-pressure system tracks to the Bay Area and Central Coast,” National Weather Service forecasters said. Small shifts in the storm’s path could mean the difference between widespread strong winds and more moderate conditions.

After a brief break in rain late Thursday into Friday, a wetter weather pattern is expected to return over the weekend and into early next week.