NorCal Storm Timeline: When To Expect More Rain, Snow And A Reprieve

BAY AREA, CA — After a series of epic storms, clear skies are in the near forecast for the Bay Area, but forecasters don't believe they will last too long.

Rain showers are expected to peter out Wednesday morning, giving the Bay Area a dry break for the rest of the day Wednesday and through Friday. So, if you need to do any outdoor activities, that is your best window to avoid rain or snow, National Weather Service forecasters said Tuesday afternoon.

Until then, showers were expected to continue across the region ranging from light to moderate with occasional downpours. Snow showers will impact higher elevations.

Light to moderate showers were falling Tuesday afternoon across the North Bay with moderate to briefly heavy showers impacting South Bay and Santa Cruz. A flood advisory was expected to expire at 4 p.m. Tuesday for the South Bay and Santa Cruz.

There were a few reports of small hail but no reports of lightning or thunder, although there was a slight risk of lightning for the remainder of the day, the weather service said.

Showers will notably diminish in the North Bay around 10 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. From East Bay southward, isolated to scattered showers could continue through 4 a.m. Wednesday.

Winter Weather Advisories

Thus, a winter weather advisory for interior North Bay hills remains in effect through 10 p.m. while the winter weather advisories for terrain to the south should remain in effect through 4 a.m. Wednesday to account for additional snow showers impacting higher elevation roads, the weather service said.

Snow is anticipated Tuesday at elevations above 2,500 feet in the North Bay, on the San Francisco Peninsula and East Bay, and at elevations above 3,000 feet in the South Bay and the counties of Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito.

Freeze Warning

A freeze warning is in effect from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. Wednesday for the North Bay mountains and valleys, East Bay mountains and valleys, Santa Clara Hills, Santa Cruz mountains and the mountains of San Benito and Monterey counties. Temperatures should range from 28 to 32 degrees.

Frost Advisory

A frost advisory is also in effect from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. Wednesday for the North Bay coastline, portions of the San Francisco Bay Shoreline, Santa Clara Valley, lower elevations of Santa Cruz county, and the Salinas Valley including the Hollister area. Temperatures should range from 33 to 36.

Slightly drier and warmer weather returns for the second half of the week, followed by a cold weekend of light rain, according to the Weather Service.

"Very cold temperatures expected on Wednesday and Thursday mornings," the weather service said. "Unsettled weather returns this weekend with more rain and high-elevation snow likely extending into next week."