Bay Area weather: Rain expected to impact morning commute

MONTEREY – A “quick shot of rain” is expected to impact the commute Thursday morning and another round could follow Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

In addition, the weather service warned King Tides will arrive Friday morning and likely cause “nuisance flooding” in low-lying spots.

In a briefing Wednesday afternoon, the weather service said rain will develop after midnight in the North Bay and spread south. Rain totals are expected to range from .10 inches to .25 inches in most areas. The coastal hills could receive up to half an inch.

The rain will quickly end by late morning or midday Thursday with “cool and blustery weather,” according to the weather service. Gusty northwest winds up to 35 mph are possible.

“This will set the stage for a cold winter night, as skies clear,” the weather service said.

Overnight lows are expected to dip into the 30s Thursday night into Friday morning in most areas.

The weather service said King Tides – some of the highest tides of the year – will arrive Friday morning and could impact the Embarcadero in San Francisco. Minor flooding will also likely occur in other low-lying spots around the Bay and along the coast.

Another round of light rain is expected Saturday, according to the weather service. Much of the weekend, however, looks dry but cool.

The weather service said a cool and unsettled weather pattern looks likely early next week with more light rain chances. A stronger storm may impact the region around Jan. 16.

Check back for updates.