351
FXUS66 KEKA 202141
AFDEKA

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Eureka CA
241 PM PDT Mon May 20 2024

.SYNOPSIS...Slightly below normal temperatures expected through the
week amidst a series of upper shortwaves and associated weak fronts.
Strong coastal pressure gradient will reinforce gusty NW winds
through Tuesday. Weaker winds and moisture advection may allow
coastal stratus to redevelop in the second half of the week before
potential for a more unsettled pattern into next weekend.


&&

.DISCUSSION...The return of stout winds to the coastal areas and
exposed ridges continues through to the evening. Most of the
coverage for gusty N winds will be offshore although coastal areas
inland are getting exposure to 20 to 40 kt gusts.  The highest of
course being on the points and exposed ridges, at or near the coast.
With most of the fetch area remaining offshore, no wind products
have been hoisted at this time. Winds begin to ease from the coast
north 40.3N latitude by Tuesday afternoon with Gale conditions
continuing south of Cape Mendocino.

Slightly cooler than normal temperatures continue to be the trend
although the next frost advisory will likely come Thursday morning.
Cloud cover will fill in the Eel valley interior areas having a
clear overnight coverage, allowing longwave radiative cooling for
Humboldt and Trinity interiors early Thursday morning.

More persistent WNW flow is forecast by mid-week, enhancing BL
moisture and allowing for potential redevelopment of the marine
inversion as a transient ridge builds into the coast. Long range
models indicate a more progressive troughing pattern expected for
late this weekend into next weekend.

&&


.Aviation...Gusty northerly winds will help keep the terminals in
VFR throughout the TAF period. Gusts from 30 to 40 kts could be
possible along the coast with the higher gusts more likely for
coastal Del Norte County. Into this evening the highest gusts will
settle; however, most areas along the coast and ridges will still
see northerlies at 10 to 15 knots. ACV will most likely have
sustained winds below 5 knots overnight. For more protected
interior areas, winds will calm overnight, as well. Winds are
forecast to yet again pick up late tomorrow morning for most of
the region, but winds will be overall lighter than the past few
days.


&&


.Marine...A thermal trough along the coast continues to produce a
strong pressure gradient that will persist through very early
tomorrow morning. Northerly gales are expected to continue in all
zones through today, producing hazardous 10-15 foot short period
waves across all zones. Steep and dangerous seas will continue
into tomorrow as gales persist. Significant wave heights to 15 or
16 feet at 10-11 seconds are expected, especially in the outer
waters. Current model guidance indicates the strongest winds and
wave response shifting to the southern waters by tomorrow. Gales
are expected to finally cease by mid week as the coastal pressure
gradient weakens, but a small craft advisory may be warranted for
the middle to end of the week.


&&

.EKA WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
CA...
None.
NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA COASTAL WATERS...
     Gale Warning until 9 PM PDT this evening for PZZ450-455.

     Gale Warning until 4 AM PDT Tuesday for PZZ470.

     Gale Warning until 9 PM PDT Tuesday for PZZ475.

&&

$$

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