San Jose woke up today to a gray start and a cool 55°F at Mineta San José International Airport, with steady rain already on tap. That early soaking is expected to shift to scattered showers and a chance of thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, with brief heavy downpours in the mix. Most neighborhoods are in line for about a quarter to a half inch of new rain, with locally higher amounts under stronger cells. South winds should stay on the lighter side, although gusts could occasionally push near 20 mph.

Afternoon Thunderstorm Risk

Scattered thunderstorms are favored across the South Bay and the Peninsula later today, and they could pack a quick punch. Lightning, brief heavy rain, and small hail are the main concerns, along with some erratic wind gusts and localized heavy downpours. The National Weather Service pegs the convective threat at roughly 30–40% and urges residents to head indoors when thunder roars. According to the National Weather Service, people should seek shelter during lightning and avoid flooded roadways.

What This Means For Your Commute

Morning drivers can expect slick roads and slower traffic, with intermittent, heavier showers likely to gum up the works again through the afternoon and cut visibility. Cyclists and pedestrians should budget extra time and lean on bright, water-resistant gear, while public transit and rideshares may run behind schedule. 

Boaters And Beachgoers

Out on Monterey Bay, small boats will be dealing with choppy seas and gusty winds that make for rough going, and a small craft advisory is posted for parts of the bay today. Anyone planning a recreational outing should be ready for sudden squalls and consider waiting for calmer conditions.

Into The Week

Showers could linger until tomorrow before the pattern flips to something friendlier. A drier, warmer stretch is expected to settle in, with highs climbing into the upper 60s and low 70s on Thursday and Friday. By the weekend, patchy morning fog is slated to creep back along the coast.

Quick Tips

Keep a rain layer handy and check the radar before you lock in outdoor plans later today. If you roll up on standing water across the road, turn around and find another route; do not try to drive through it.