“Train of Two Storms” Signals a Major Shift in Bay Area Weather

After weeks of relatively dry and stable conditions, the Bay Area is preparing for a noticeable change in weather. Meteorologists are tracking what they describe as a “train of two storms,” a back-to-back weather pattern that could reshape the region’s forecast over the coming days.

While residents and visitors can expect improving skies just in time for Super Bowl 60 in Santa Clara, the calm will be short-lived. Rain, cooler temperatures, and cloudier conditions are set to return, marking one of the most significant weather shifts the region has seen in weeks.

Thick Morning Fog Blankets the Bay Area

Sunday morning began with an unusually dense layer of fog spreading rapidly across the Bay Area. Visibility dropped sharply in some locations, falling to a quarter mile or less, particularly in low-lying areas and along major roadways.

According to Sebastian Westerink, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Bay Area office, onshore winds pushed moist air inland, allowing fog to develop quickly and travel far from the coastline.

“This was a pretty classic marine layer event,” Westerink explained. “Onshore winds moved that fog inland very efficiently during the early morning hours.”

While the fog created challenging driving conditions, forecasters were confident it would not last long.

Clear Skies Expected Just in Time for Super Bowl 60

Despite the gloomy start to the day, the weather forecast brought good news for football fans and outdoor plans. Westerink said the fog was expected to clear dramatically within a few hours, with only some lingering haze near the coastline.

By the time Super Bowl 60 kicks off at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, conditions should be mostly favorable. Skies are expected to turn partly cloudy, with temperatures ranging from the upper 50s to low-to-mid 60s—comfortable for this time of year.

“It’ll be a pretty nice evening, all things considered,” Westerink said. “Much better than what the morning looked like.”

For many, this brief stretch of pleasant weather will feel like a calm pause before winter reasserts itself.

Rain Begins to Return Sunday Night in the North Bay

While much of the Bay Area will stay dry through Sunday evening, rain chances will begin increasing in the North Bay later in the night. These early showers mark the beginning of a broader shift toward wetter conditions.

However, widespread rainfall is not expected to arrive until Tuesday morning, when atmospheric conditions align to deliver a more organized storm system across the region.

Jet Stream Pulls Cold Air from the Gulf of Alaska

The main driver behind the upcoming storms is a jet stream dip pulling colder air southward from the Gulf of Alaska. This shift allows storm systems to move directly into Northern California, bringing sustained rainfall rather than brief showers.

“This will feel very different from the past few weeks,” Westerink noted. “It’ll be cooler, cloudier, and more in line with what people expect from winter weather.”

Most Bay Area communities can expect at least a quarter to half an inch of rain, while higher elevation areas—such as Mount Tamalpais and the coastal slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains—could see over an inch of rainfall.

A Soaking Rain, Not Just Passing Showers

Meteorologists emphasize that this will be a steady, soaking rain, which is particularly beneficial for soil moisture and water reserves.

“It’s not just a quick hit,” Westerink said. “This is the kind of rain that really soaks into the ground.”

This type of rainfall is especially valuable after a stretch of dry weather, helping replenish groundwater and reduce the risk of returning drought conditions.

A Brief Midweek Break Before Storm Number Two

The first storm system is expected to weaken by Wednesday, transitioning into scattered, spotty showers through the evening. By Thursday, conditions should improve noticeably, with clearer skies and drier weather returning temporarily.

However, the break will be short-lived.

Clouds are forecast to build again by Saturday, setting the stage for a second, potentially heavier storm that will arrive soon after the first.

The “Train of Two Storms” Explained

Forecasters describe the upcoming pattern as a “train of two storms” because the systems will arrive so close together that many people may not even notice the separation.

“We don’t have full confidence on the exact timing yet,” Westerink said, “but early Sunday morning is what the models are suggesting for the second storm.”

Rather than a clean break between systems, residents should expect intermittent rainfall, with brief lulls followed by renewed showers.

How Much Rain Could Fall Overall?

While precise totals are still uncertain, early estimates suggest more than half an inch of rain could fall across much of the Bay Area once both systems pass through. Elevated and coastal regions could see even higher totals.

Forecasters will refine these numbers as the storms approach, and residents are encouraged to stay updated through official weather channels.

Why This Weather Pattern Matters

Although California was officially lifted from drought conditions just weeks ago, meteorologists caution that dry weather can quickly reverse those gains.

“This is exactly what we want to see,” Westerink said. “If we had continued with abnormally dry conditions, drought concerns could have returned faster than expected.”

The upcoming storms highlight how fragile water security can be—and how important consistent winter rainfall remains for the state.

Stay Alert as Conditions Change

As the Bay Area transitions from foggy mornings to rain-filled days, residents should prepare for cooler temperatures, wet roads, and changing travel conditions.

Weather officials advise checking updates from the National Weather Service regularly, especially as storm timing and rainfall totals become clearer.

Conclusion: A Clear Game Day, Then a Wet Week Ahead

The Bay Area is getting the best of both worlds—clear skies for Super Bowl 60, followed by a much-needed return to winter rain. The approaching “train of two storms” signals a meaningful shift in the region’s weather pattern, bringing cooler temperatures and widespread rainfall after weeks of relative calm.

While the fog and rain may be inconvenient, the storms play a critical role in supporting California’s long-term water supply. For now, residents can enjoy a pleasant Sunday evening—then prepare for winter to roll back in, right on schedule.