Record-Breaking Cold At SFO Recorded Tuesday

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Following weeks of warm weather, temperatures across the Peninsula plummeted this week. South San Francisco was among several Bay Area cities to break records Tuesday. Overnight lows in town dipped to frigid 36 degrees, busting the 2011 record of 37 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Daytime highs will creep up to 56 degrees in South San Francisco this week.

The cold snap is predicted to continue in the Bay Area, with gusty winds expected late Wednesday through Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service. There's a slight chance to a chance of light rain and snow above 2,000 feet through Wednesday thanks to a storm system moving over the region, according to the weather service.

Starting Wednesday night, another storm system was expected to bring even more windy conditions and a chance of light rain and snow showers above 2,000 feet late through Thursday, the weather service said.

The strongest winds will be along the coast and over the higher elevations, according to the weather service. With these conditions in mind, one of the Bay Area's animal service organizations is encouraging residents to keep their animals indoors during the cold weather.

"In weather this cold, it is important to limit your pet's exposure to freezing temperatures," said Beth Ward, director of Contra Costa Animal Services.

Taking shorter walks and making sure outdoor housing is insulated can help ensure pet safety, the agency said. If you witness a pet suffering from exposure, call your local humane society or 3-1-1.

Other tips:

• Keep pets inside whenever possible
• Keep an ID tag on your pet's neck
• If you keep your pet outside, make sure they have a warm, covered place
• Make sure outside pets' water dishes don't freeze
• Outdoor cats sometimes sleep under car hoods. Bang loudly on the hood before starting your car.

Protect temperature sensitive plants by wrapping sheets or burlap around trees, shrubs and bring pots indoors.

Most locations across the region are a few to nearly 10° warmer compared to 24 hours ago as clouds increase ahead of an approaching weather system. Overall, look for this system to pass today with only spotty showers. #CAwx #BayAreaWX pic.twitter.com/qzsdCD1ygj
— NWS Bay Area (@NWSBayArea) February 21, 2018

Bay City News Service and Patch Editor Autumn Johnson contributed to this report / Image via Shutterstock