San Francisco kicks off Thursday, May 28, with a 50% chance of light rain and a high near 68°F — grab your compact travel umbrella before you walk out the door this morning.
Today’s Setup
A retrograding upper-level low has been driving the Bay Area’s unsettled stretch, and today is its final act. The National Weather Service notes a surface low developing just offshore of Marin and San Francisco counties this morning, keeping scattered light showers in the mix through the early afternoon. The heavier rainfall is focused south — the Santa Cruz mountains and Big Sur coast will see the most significant totals today — but expect on-and-off light rain around the city through midday. Winds are light at 5 to 12 mph out of the south-southeast, so nothing dramatic.
Rain Risk & Best Time Outside
Showers ease off after 5 PM PT, making the evening the better half of your day. There is no flood risk for the city proper, and no severe weather expected in San Francisco. The National Weather Service does flag a slight chance of isolated strong thunderstorms from mid-morning through mid-afternoon, but that risk is concentrated in the southern South Bay and Central Coast — not the city.
Heading to Chase Center tonight for Golden State Valkyries vs. Indiana Fever (May 28)? Bring a layer — it’ll be damp on the walk in, but it should be clearing by tip-off. Get tickets on SeatGeek if you still need them.
What To Wear
This is quintessential Karl the Fog weather with a wet twist. A packable rain jacket will handle the BART commute from the Mission or the walk along the Embarcadero. If you’re planning any trails in the Presidio or the Marin Headlands, pull on waterproof hiking boots before you go — the paths will be soggy well into the afternoon.
Upcoming Events
Friday, May 29: Seven Lions plays Bill Graham Civic Auditorium on the Asleep In The Garden Of Infernal Stars Tour — an indoor venue, so weather is a non-issue. Find tickets on StubHub, or pick up a Seven Lions t-shirt for the night.
Looking ahead to the weekend, the Oakland Athletics host the New York Yankees at Sutter Health Park on both May 30 and May 31. The forecast looks far more cooperative by then — sport your Oakland Athletics jersey and Oakland Athletics fitted cap and enjoy some baseball in Sacramento.
Dinner & The Days Ahead
Tonight is built for a slow cooker meal. Load up a programmable slow cooker with chili or beef stew before you leave the house and come home to something warm and ready. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Friday clears noticeably — partly sunny with a high near 63°F and almost no rain chance as westerly winds kick in at 6 to 12 mph. The National Weather Service signals a warming and drying trend continuing through the weekend. Golfers eyeing a Sunday round will be pleased — and the Callaway Big Bertha fairway wood at $150 is worth a look before the weekend fills up.
Follow the full San Francisco weather forecast for the latest updates, and browse outdoor gear deals for anything you need to get through the rest of this wet week.
