Umbrellas Up: Heavy Rain and Coastal Flood Alerts Dampen San Francisco

A Soggy Start to the Week

San Franciscans should prepare for a wet and windy Tuesday as a significant weather system moves through the Bay Area, bringing persistent rain, gusty winds, and coastal flooding alerts to the city today, February 24, 2026. After a damp start to the week, the current atmospheric setup is drawing in deep tropical moisture, ensuring that precipitation remains a constant companion for residents and commuters throughout the day.

Morning Forecast: A Slick and Chilly Commute

The morning hours are expected to see the most consistent precipitation, with meteorologists predicting a nearly 100% chance of rain during the morning rush. Commuters are advised to leave extra time for travel, as slick roads and localized ponding have already been reported across major thoroughfares like Highway 101 and the Embarcadero. A Coastal Flood Advisory is currently in effect until 3:00 PM today, specifically targeting low-lying areas, parking lots, and coastal trails. High tides combined with a minor storm surge may result in up to 1.5 feet of saltwater inundation in vulnerable spots along the San Francisco Bay.

Afternoon Conditions: Breezy with Steady Downpours

As we move into the afternoon, temperatures will hover in the mid-50s, with the city reaching a daytime high of approximately 57°F to 61°F. The rain is expected to transition from steady morning downpours to frequent, heavy showers. Southerly winds will ramp up throughout the afternoon, with gusts along exposed shorelines potentially reaching 30 to 40 mph. For those planning to be outdoors, a sturdy umbrella and waterproof layers are essential. The National Weather Service has noted that the high moisture levels in this system could trigger minor urban flooding in neighborhoods with poor drainage, as the ground is already saturated from previous storms.

Evening and Nighttime Outlook

Expect the wet weather to persist into the evening hours, though the intensity of the rainfall is predicted to taper off slightly late tonight. Overnight temperatures will dip into the mid-40s to low-50s, making for a chilly and damp night across the peninsula. While the heaviest of this midweek soaker is expected to pass by early Wednesday morning, residents should remain cautious of saturated hillsides where shallow landslides are a minor risk. A gradual drying trend is anticipated to begin tomorrow as the low-pressure system shifts eastward toward the Sierras.

Safety Reminders for Residents

• Avoid driving through flooded roadways; even shallow water can cause a vehicle to hydroplane.
• Secure lightweight outdoor furniture and trash bins to prevent them from being displaced by gusty southerly winds.
• Be mindful of the Coastal Flood Advisory if you are near waterfront locations during the early afternoon high tide.
• Check on neighbors, particularly those in low-lying areas prone to minor flooding.