Another rainmaker is on track to sweep across California this week, bringing widespread showers from late Wednesday into Friday and delivering the heaviest rainfall to Southern California. The system marks the latest in a string of November storms that have already broken monthly precipitation records in several areas.
According to the National Weather Service, the storm will follow a familiar pattern: light overnight rain in Northern California before intensifying as it moves toward the south.
Northern California: Light Showers Overnight
Rain is expected to reach San Francisco around midnight Wednesday, spreading east across the Bay Area into early Thursday. Most areas will see under a quarter inch, though isolated pockets could receive slightly more if showers strengthen unexpectedly.
Models show widespread morning rainfall tapering to scattered afternoon showers by Thursday. Winds are expected to remain light throughout the event.
Southern California: Heaviest Rain Expected
The highest totals are set for Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Orange and San Diego counties, where up to an inch of rain could fall Thursday afternoon through Friday. Los Angeles may pick up a half-inch or more, making this one of the more significant November systems for the region.
The Sierra Nevada, however, will miss out on major snowfall. Because moisture will track along the coast, most precipitation reaching the mountains will fall as rain below 7,000 feet. Less than six inches of snow is forecast over Donner Summit along Interstate 80.
For more insight into long-range impacts, the National Weather Service continues to track unusual atmospheric events, including this month’s rare stratospheric warming pattern described by climate experts such as NOAA.
Winds, Fog, and Thanksgiving Outlook
Wind speeds will remain tame statewide, with gusts below 30 mph in major cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. After the storm departs, a dry pattern is expected to take over starting this weekend and last through Thanksgiving.
Valley fog will return during the mornings, while higher elevations face freezing nighttime temperatures.
Regional Forecast Breakdown
San Francisco
Clouds increase through Wednesday with highs near 60°F. Rain chances rise after 10 p.m., with lingering showers into Thursday morning. Lows fall to the low–mid 50s.
North Bay
Mostly cloudy skies with brief evening showers before steadier rain arrives overnight. Totals between 0.10 and 0.25 inches. Highs in the upper 50s to low 60s; lows in the 40s.
East Bay
Morning fog gives way to afternoon cloud cover. Rain begins after midnight with continued showers into Thursday. Expect slower morning commutes. Highs: upper 50s to low 60s.
Pacific Coast & Peninsula
Fog and drizzle develop near coastal cities such as Daly City and Pacifica. Rain increases near midnight. Highs in the 50s; lows in the upper 40s to mid-50s.
South Bay & Santa Cruz
A partly sunny morning turns cloudy into the afternoon. Drizzle possible in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Rain arrives after midnight and continues during Thursday’s commute. Highs in the upper 50s to low 60s.
