After long, hot wildfire season, rain is in the Bay Area forecast

OAKLAND, Calif. - After a long, hot wildfire season where temperatures soared, earth burned and skies were choked with smoke, the National Weather Service offered a stark change in the forecast.

Showers, rain, mountain snow and gusty winds were predicted for many areas as a low-pressure system moves down from the Pacific Northwest into Californian on Friday, followed by a second system during the weekend, forecasters said. The wet and cool temps should last through Sunday. 

"Bring in the patio furniture," KTVU meteorologist Steve Paulson said. "There is going to be a significant pattern change." 

From Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz, meteorologists predicted up to a quarter-inch of rain to fall throughout the weekend.

The forecast also shows snow falling in the Sierra. The weather service has issued a Winter Storm Watch from Friday morning to Sunday afternoon.

Temperatures are also expected to drop by about 10 to 15 degrees. Weekends temperatures in the Bay Area should reach in the high 50s or 60s. 

In Southern California, significant snowfall is expected in the mountains. Caltrans advised motorists that chain controls will be in effect at higher elevations and there could be delays due to rock falls or debris flows from burn scars.

The wet weather should be a boon for the parched state. 

The U.S. Drought Monitor reported Thursday that more than 84% of the state is now experiencing moderate to extreme drought or abnormal dryness. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.