Bay Area Faces Possible Last Significant Rainfall of Season

Showers expected Monday, but dry weather likely to return soon

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The San Francisco Bay Area may be running out of time for major storm systems to replenish reservoirs, as a brief bout of unsettled weather on Monday could be the last measurable rain for the foreseeable future, according to the National Weather Service. While a midweek low-pressure system could bring showers north of the Bay Area, no major rain is expected in the region after that, and a warming and drying trend is expected to set in starting Friday.

Why it matters

The Bay Area has faced persistent drought conditions in recent years, and the lack of significant rainfall could further strain water resources and impact the region's agriculture and environment. The potential for strong winds later this week also raises concerns about public safety and property damage.

The details

According to Roger Gass, a meteorologist at the weather service's Bay Area office, Monday's showers are due to a 'passing, short wave trough' and are expected to bring relatively low rainfall totals, with up to around a 10th of an inch in total. While a midweek low-pressure system could bring showers north of the Bay Area, no major rain is expected in the region after that, and a warming and drying trend is expected to set in starting Friday, with the potential for temperatures reaching the 70s in much of the Bay Area.

  • On Monday, March 2, 2026, the Bay Area saw brief showers.
  • Starting Friday, March 6, 2026, a warming and drying trend is expected to set in.

The players

Roger Gass

A meteorologist at the National Weather Service's Bay Area office.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not expecting much more than a few hundreds of an inch per hour, and up to around a 10th of an inch in total.”

— Roger Gass, Meteorologist (sfgate.com)

What’s next

While a significant storm system could potentially develop in April as the traditional rainy season comes to a close, the weather service says it's still too early to tell for sure.

The takeaway

The lack of significant rainfall in the Bay Area raises concerns about the region's water resources and the potential impact on agriculture and the environment. Residents should be prepared for strong winds later this week and the possibility of a prolonged dry spell in the coming months.