South Winds Whip Up in San Francisco as Bigger Storm Looms

Low temperatures and gusty conditions precede a potentially heavy rain event early next week.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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San Francisco is bracing for a bout of blustery weather, with cold temperatures, gusty south-southeast winds, and a strengthening Pacific storm system expected to bring heavy rain and potential flooding to the region on Monday night into Tuesday.

Why it matters

The combination of low temperatures, strong winds, and the potential for heavy rainfall and urban flooding could disrupt transportation, outdoor activities, and daily life for San Francisco residents over the next several days.

The details

Temperatures will start in the low 40s on Saturday, with south-southeast winds ramping up to 7-14 mph with gusts near 24 mph across the city and stronger gusts up to 40 mph on hilltops and along the coast. Small craft advisories and gale warnings are in effect for the Bay and nearby coastal waters, making ferry rides choppy and requiring small boats to seek safe harbor. The stronger low-pressure system expected on Monday night into Tuesday will pull subtropical moisture into the region, with the North Bay favored for the heaviest rainfall totals and the potential for minor flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas, ponding on roads, and slick travel conditions.

  • South-southeast winds will ramp up this afternoon, generally 7–14 mph with gusts near 24 mph across much of the city.
  • Coastal and higher-elevation gusts could reach 40 mph on Saturday.
  • Small craft advisories and gale warnings are in effect for parts of the Bay and nearby coastal waters this afternoon into tonight.
  • A stronger low offshore Monday night into Tuesday will pull subtropical moisture into the region, with the heaviest rain expected during that window.

The players

National Weather Service San Francisco

The local office of the National Weather Service that issues weather forecasts and advisories for the San Francisco Bay Area.

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What they’re saying

“Motorists and cyclists are advised to plan for gusty conditions and to secure any unsecured outdoor items.”

— National Weather Service San Francisco

“If you have outdoor plans on Monday or Tuesday, consider rescheduling or lining up a dry backup option. Secure patio furniture and tarps today, give yourself extra time for commutes, and avoid driving through standing water.”

— National Weather Service San Francisco

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the developing storm system and provide updated forecasts and advisories as the weather event approaches.

The takeaway

San Franciscans should prepare for a potentially disruptive weather pattern in the coming days, with gusty winds, low temperatures, and the possibility of heavy rainfall and urban flooding that could impact transportation, outdoor activities, and daily routines.