First Bay Area rainfall of 2024 expected Tuesday

Steady, widespread rainfall was predicted to hit the Bay Area by the late afternoon Tuesday, marking the region's first rain event of 2024.

As Bay Area residents are still ringing in the new year, the first rainfall of 2024 could arrive by Tuesday afternoon, for a dousing that could last well into Wednesday according to the National Weather Service.

In a bulletin posted early Tuesday morning, the NWS said “widespread rain” throughout the Bay Area could roll in by the the late afternoon. The clouds began to roll in early in the morning ahead of the incoming low pressure system that should see rain fall from the North Bay all the way down the Central Coast.

Another Pacific storm system will approach CA after New Years Day, bringing more rain to the region Tues-Wed. Generally expecting 0.5-1.5" for inland regions and 1.5-3" near the coast. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/CbYtC1vm1q

— NWS Bay Area (@NWSBayArea) January 1, 2024

While light precipitation could kickstart in some areas by 10 or 11 a.m. Tuesday, the rainfall won’t likely advance past a light drizzle until about 2 or 3 p.m. in most places. From there, a steady rainfall could transition into showers lasting overnight and into Thursday, according to the NWS.

The total rainfall forecast for the weather system lasting into Wednesday afternoon included between one-half and one inch of rain in San Jose, Oakland, Livermore and Concord, and between one and one-and-one-half of an inch in San Francisco and Santa Cruz.

In addition to the lingering midweek showers, the NWS issued a high surf advisory to go in effect between 10 a.m. Wednesday and 4 a.m. Thursday. The agency warned residents to expect breaking waves between 19-23 feet in height and advised them to avoid the water around that time.

Good morning!

A High Surf Advisory has been issued for this Wednesday 10 am through Thursday 4 am PST. Large and long period WNW swell will make for dangerous surf conditions. Please see the below graphic for more information. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/f9GnaXIsnM

— NWS Bay Area (@NWSBayArea) January 2, 2024

The advisory comes days after monster waves tore through homes and businesses up-and-down the California coast, when a similar NWS advisory was issued.