526
FXUS66 KEKA 242155
AFDEKA

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Eureka CA
255 PM PDT Fri May 24 2024

.SYNOPSIS...Near to below normal temperatures continue into
Saturday. The possibility of coastal stratus and drizzle returns
tonight.


&&

.DISCUSSION...Coastal stratus has lifted early this afternoon, with
only a few high clouds expected the rest of the day. A weak trough
has moved through bringing chilly temperatures, especially inland,
early this morning. Coastal stratus is expected to make a return
tonight, potentially bringing some fog and drizzle to the coast.
While HREF probabilities for low ceilings are above 90% around
Humboldt Bay; chances for fog are significantly lower (around 25%).
This will hamper the chance for coastal drizzle Saturday morning.

The pattern of stratus returning in the evening then diminishing in
the afternoon is expected to continue for the weekend, with some
potential clearing Tuesday as a weak trough moves through the
Pacific Northwest, likely weakening the marine inversion.
Temperatures inland will gradually increase as this ridge builds in,
with 70s Friday and Saturday warming to 70s on Sunday and 80s on
Monday. The ridge flattening Tuesday will lower these temperatures
back down to near or slightly below normal temperatures. The pattern
late next week remains uncertain as some ensemble members bring a
trough down into the area, which could bring some rain, while some
bring a stronger ridge to the area, warming some interior valleys
into the high 90s. JB


&&

.AVIATION...For coastal sites CEC/ACV probability of lower stratus increases
once again tonight. Ensembles indicate a 53% of reaching LIFR
ceilings at KCEC, and 35% for KACV, and near 100% of MVFR or lower.
Also a 20% chance of visibility less than 2 miles are indicated by
ensembles. Turbulence will be a potential problem along the coast
between roughly 06Z and 12Z. Soundings indicate the potential for
stratus return as well, as well as some potential for drizzle. Wind
gusts from the northwest close to 20 kts are the mean solution for
KUKI this evening, decreasing to below 15KTS by 05Z.


&&

.MARINE...Northwest winds will increase behind the passing trough to
the east as an upper level shortwave ridge approaches. Two northwest
wind groups were combined to give a period near 7 ft with wave
heights in the 4-7 ft range. In the latter half of the week, a
longer period swell arrives toward the latter half of the holiday
weekend, and then decaying somewhat into next week.


&&

.EKA WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
CA...
None.
NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA COASTAL WATERS...
     Small Craft Advisory from 9 AM Saturday to 3 AM PDT Sunday
     for PZZ455-475.

&&

$$

Visit us at https://www.weather.gov/eureka

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter at:
https://www.facebook.com/NWSEureka
https://www.twitter.com/NWSEureka

For forecast zone information
see the forecast zone map online:
https://www.weather.gov/images/eka/zonemap.png