Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Eureka, CA
Issued by NWS Eureka, CA
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. && $$ 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