UPDATE: California is bracing for severe back-to-back storms forecasted to hit the Bay Area starting Monday, September 25, 2023. Heavy rainfall is expected, particularly impacting the North Bay, with the first systems arriving as early as 11 a.m. Monday.
Forecasters from the National Weather Service predict a 40 percent chance of rain beginning Monday morning, escalating into a more significant downpour Monday night and continuing into Tuesday evening. Winds may gust up to 15 mph, posing potential travel hazards on bridges and coastal highways.
Meteorologist Nicole Sarment explains that this early storm surge is due to an “active Pacific Ocean,” with low-pressure systems pulling moisture from various sources. “We’re looking at several low-pressure systems that develop stronger fronts,” she stated, emphasizing the unusual timing of this rainfall ahead of the typical rainy season, which usually spans from November to March.
The Bay Area is set to receive its first true widespread rainfall of the season, with the North Bay expected to bear the brunt. Locals could see as much as 1 inch of rain by the week’s end. In contrast, the East Bay is projected to receive around 0.25 inches, while San Francisco could experience up to 0.5 inches from both storm systems.
The storms are being propelled by a typhoon in the western Pacific, which will follow the initial system, confirming that more rain is on the way. Areas affected by wildfire smoke from the Moon Complex in southwestern Oregon will likely see improved air quality as the storms arrive, as Sarment noted, “The atmosphere becomes more turbulent, so we’re not going to see that smoke linger.”
While showers are expected to last until late Wednesday night, forecasts indicate clearing skies by Thursday morning. This potential for relief follows a weekend of air quality advisories due to smoke, making the rain a double blessing for residents.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as these storms develop. The National Weather Service will continue to monitor conditions closely, ensuring the public is informed about any changes or additional warnings.
