Honestly, if you were expecting the typical "January in San Francisco" gloomy rainfest, you're in for a bit of a surprise.
Basically, the weather in Bay Area this week is doing its own thing. While the rest of the country is shivering through actual winter, we’re sitting under a massive ridge of high pressure that’s basically acting like a bouncer at a club, keeping all the wet storm systems far to the north.
It’s dry. Like, really dry.
The Dry Spell Nobody Expected
You've probably noticed the mornings are still pretty crisp. That's the offshore flow talking. According to the National Weather Service in Monterey, we've got some robust northeasterly winds coming off the hills, which is why places like Santa Rosa saw temperatures dip into the mid-30s recently.
But once the sun gets a few hours into the sky? It’s a different story.
We are looking at daytime highs hitting the 60s across most of the region. San Francisco is pegged for around 60°F to 61°F through Monday, January 19. If you head down to San Jose, it’s even warmer, with some spots flirting with 70°F earlier in the week.
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Here’s the thing about the weather in Bay Area this week: it’s consistent.
Most people think California weather is unpredictable, but right now, we are stuck in a holding pattern. The jet stream is pushed so far north that the rain isn't just missing us—it’s not even on the map for the next seven days.
Microclimates: The Local Breakdown
Don't let the "sunny" forecast fool you into wearing shorts at 6:00 AM.
The North Bay is still dealing with some patchy fog and haze, especially in the Petaluma Gap and Santa Rosa areas. It's that classic "gray morning, gold afternoon" setup.
In the East Bay, places like Livermore and Concord are seeing those wider temperature swings. You'll start at 42°F and end up at 63°F. That is a 20-degree jump.
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- San Francisco: Expect highs of 60°F and lows near 49°F. It'll be cloudy today, Saturday, January 17, but clearing up for a beautiful Sunday and Monday.
- Oakland: Slightly warmer highs around 63°F for the weekend, then dipping to the high 50s by mid-week.
- San Jose: The "Banana Belt" of the Bay. Highs reaching 68°F to 69°F through Tuesday, which is basically early spring weather in the middle of January.
Is the Rain Actually Coming Back?
I know, we need the water.
The long-range outlook from the Climate Prediction Center and local meteorologists suggests this dry ridge might finally crack toward the very end of the month. We are talking about the week of January 26.
Some models are hinting at a "legitimate troughing pattern" that could bring between 1.0 and 2.5 inches of rain to San Francisco between the 27th and the 31st. But for right now? Zip.
The weather in Bay Area this week is an anomaly of sorts. We have 10% or less chance of precipitation across the board until at least next Saturday.
Why This Matters for Your Week
If you're planning on hiking Mission Peak or just walking the Embarcadero, you couldn't ask for better timing.
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However, the air is dry. Like, "static-shock-every-time-you-touch-a-doorknob" dry. The humidity is hovering around 60% to 70%, which sounds high, but with those northeasterly winds, it feels much lower.
- Layer up: The temperature drop after sunset is fast and brutal.
- Hydrate: You don't feel the sweat in this dry air, but you're losing moisture.
- Watch the Tides: We just came off some record-breaking King Tides earlier this month, so while it’s sunny, the coastal areas are still recovering from some of that minor flooding.
Honestly, just enjoy the sun while it lasts. The "January Break" is a real phenomenon here, and we are right in the thick of it.
The weather in Bay Area this week is giving us a rare chance to leave the umbrellas in the closet. Just don't get too comfortable—February usually likes to make up for lost time.
Practical Next Steps
- Check your irrigation: Since we aren't getting rain, your garden might actually need a drink, despite it being winter.
- Plan outdoor activities for Monday: It’s looking like the brightest, clearest day of the week with a 5% chance of rain and full sun.
- Keep an eye on the Friday/Saturday transition: Winds are expected to shift back to a more northerly flow, which will bring the daytime highs back down into the mid-50s for next weekend.
Stay warm in the shade and cool in the sun. Typical Bay Area.