A wave of tropical moisture has brought light rain to the Bay Area, while heavier rainfall and thunderstorms have been impacting the Central Coast, as reported by the National Weather Service. According to Bay Area meteorologist Dylan Flynn, this weather pattern is not linked to a typical cold front. Instead, a low-pressure system with tropical origins is driving moisture northward, marking a contrast to the more common rain-inducing cold fronts that typically arrive from the north.
The most significant rainfall on Wednesday morning was observed in Monterey and San Benito counties. Flynn mentioned that a concentrated line of rain delivered a substantial amount of precipitation, especially considering the time of year. As this rain band moves north, heading into the Bay Area, it is anticipated to encounter drier air, likely causing a reduction in rain and thunderstorm intensity. The forecast predicts that most precipitation should diminish by midafternoon.
Although thunderstorms in the Bay Area may lack significant rainfall, there is a risk of dry lightning, which can occur when rain evaporates before reaching the ground. This type of lightning poses a wildfire risk, particularly in the South Bay and East Bay regions.
Additionally, strong winds have been recorded, with gusts reaching up to 45 miles per hour in the East Bay hills and the Altamont Pass. Such gusty winds could become locally intense and potentially damaging as storms pass through the area.
As residents prepare for this weather event, awareness of the potential for dry lightning and strong winds is crucial to ensuring safety and mitigating wildfire risks.