Overview
- Forecasters target the heaviest band from late Wednesday night through midday Thursday, with rain chances continuing into Friday as lighter showers linger.
- Rainfall will be highly variable, with 2–3 inches in coastal ranges, 1–2 inches over higher terrain and the North Bay, about 1–1.25 inches in San Francisco, and less than 1 inch in many interior valleys including the Monterey Bay region.
- Southerly winds of 15–25 mph are expected with gusts up to 45 mph in many inland areas and 55–60+ mph over exposed coastal ridges, peaks, gaps and passes.
- Meteorologists cite precipitable water near 1.50 inches and orographic lift to explain why windward slopes will take the brunt of the rainfall.
- Officials warn of slick roads, pooling and small creek overflow, an elevated debris‑flow risk on burn scars, and hazardous crosswinds for high‑profile vehicles along corridors such as Gaviota.