News - Bay Area Prepares for Sunny Days After Unexpected Rain

Residents of the Bay Area can finally look forward to sunshine as a slow-moving storm system gives way to clear skies. The National Weather Service reports that the expected transition from wet to dry weather took longer than forecasted, with lingering showers across the region early in the week. Meteorologist Joe Merchant confirmed on Tuesday that clearer weather is imminent, although some areas still experienced light, scattered rain. This followed a rainy Monday, which saw San Rafael recording nearly 1.75 inches of rain, while parts of Santa Cruz County saw over 1.6 inches. San Francisco, in particular, received an inch of rainfall. The storm system that lingered over the Bay Area had been anticipated to drift further south by Monday evening, Merchant explained, resulting in unexpected rain throughout Tuesday. Nevertheless, a much-awaited dry spell is on the horizon, with forecasts suggesting it could span at least a week. Consequently, temperatures are expected to dip, bringing cooler air with lows in the 30s and highs not exceeding the 50s. Coastal visitors should still exercise caution, as though the king tides have subsided from their recent peak, beaches will remain treacherous through Thursday and Friday. Waves are projected to reach heights of up to 20 feet. This weather shift offers a break from the storm patterns that have been prevalent since Christmas and provides a much-needed dry interval for the region to recover and enjoy some sunny spells.