San Francisco isn’t exactly known for brutal winters, but this morning was a wake-up call for anyone who thought they could leave home without a jacket. Temperatures dropped into the 40s, prompting a Frost Advisory for parts of the Bay Area, and this cold spell isn’t done with us just yet.
For those heading out early in the day, expect to see frost on car windshields and sidewalks, especially in the less urban parts of the city. Temperatures are hovering around 47°F (8°C) right now, but it’ll only warm up slightly, with highs reaching 55°F (13°C) before dipping back into the low 40s overnight.
And while we’re bundling up against the chill, there’s another problem on the horizon—rain. Lots of it.
A Dry Chill for Now, But Get Ready for a Soaking Wet Thursday
Right now, we’re in a pattern of cold, clear mornings and crisp afternoons. But by midweek, clouds will start rolling in, setting the stage for a significant storm on Thursday.
Here’s how the forecast is shaping up for the next few days:
- Monday (Today): Clear but cold, with a high of 56°F (13°C) and a low of 39°F (4°C). Mornings and late nights will feel even colder due to wind chill.
- Tuesday: Clouds begin to increase, making it feel even chillier. High of 53°F (12°C), low of 46°F (8°C). Expect breezy conditions.
- Wednesday: Overcast skies keep temperatures steady, with a high of 55°F (13°C) and a low of 49°F (10°C).
- Thursday: The main event—rain moves in! Showers could be heavy at times, and flood-prone areas will need to watch out for rising water. High of 61°F (16°C), low of 50°F (10°C).
- Friday: The storm clears, leaving behind cool but drier conditions. High of 60°F (16°C), low of 51°F (11°C).
- Saturday: Clouds in the morning, followed by some afternoon sunshine. High of 59°F (15°C), low of 50°F (10°C).
What’s the Biggest Concern?
The cold mornings might be an inconvenience, but Thursday’s rainstorm could be a real problem. San Francisco’s drainage system struggles with heavy downpours, and low-lying neighborhoods often see street flooding and traffic gridlock when rain arrives in full force.
If you live in a flood-prone area, start preparing now:
- Make sure your gutters and storm drains are clear to prevent water from pooling.
- If your street tends to flood, have sandbags ready and avoid parking in low-lying areas.
- Plan extra time for your Thursday commute—heavy rain often leads to accidents and major traffic slowdowns.
How to Stay Safe and Comfortable This Week
With both freezing mornings and heavy rain ahead, here’s how to get through the week without any surprises:
- Dress in Layers – It might be cold now, but the rain later this week will bring humidity. Wear layers you can adjust throughout the day.
- Prepare Your Car – Frosty mornings mean you might need extra time to defrost your windshield. Keep an ice scraper handy and check your tire pressure—cold air can cause tires to deflate slightly.
- Watch for Slippery Roads – Even though we’re not getting snow, the combination of cold pavement and rain later in the week could make roads dangerously slick.
- Check on Vulnerable Neighbors – Elderly residents and those without stable housing are at the greatest risk in extreme cold and wet weather. If you know someone who might need extra help, check in on them.
- Don’t Ignore Weather Alerts – Thursday’s storm has the potential to cause localized flooding, especially in areas with poor drainage. Stay updated on road closures and warnings.
Final Thoughts: A Weather Rollercoaster for San Francisco
San Francisco’s weather is always unpredictable, but this week is shaping up to be a tale of two extremes—freezing cold mornings now, followed by heavy rain in just a few days.
If you’re out and about early in the morning, bundle up and give yourself extra time for icy sidewalks and frosty windshields. And once the rain arrives later this week, be prepared for slippery streets, longer commutes, and potential flooding in low-lying areas.
The best thing you can do? Stay informed, stay safe, and don’t let this wild weather catch you off guard.
