340
FXUS66 KEKA 182138
AFDEKA

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Eureka CA
238 PM PDT Sat Jul 18 2026

KEY MESSAGES...

* Warmer temperatures are expected this weekend bringing minor to
  moderate HeatRisk.

* Possible showers and thunderstorms across the interior next week.

&&

.SYNOPSIS...Above normal temperatures return to the interior this
weekend. Monsoonal moisture returns Sunday into early next week,
bringing chances of showers and thunderstorms early to mid next week.


&&

.DISCUSSION...High pressure rebuilds over the area today bringing
above normal interior temperatures as it strengthens. Most
interior valleys seeing high temperatures in the 90s to just over
100. Minor to locally moderate HeatRisk is expected. Slight
northerly flow at the surface could bring some smoke from fires in
southern Oregon to Trinity County, but southerly flow aloft is
likely to keep most out of the area.

Starting Sunday evening and into Monday, monsoonal moisture is
anticipated to make it`s way north and west into the area. While
moisture aloft will likely be plentiful, instability looks
limited, at least initially. A few showers may be possible with
this first pulse of moisture very early Monday morning, but dry
low levels will prevent much of this from reaching the ground.
Midweek has the best chance to see some thunderstorms with
moisture from the remnants of what is currently Tropical Storm
Elida possibly moving into the area. This will need to be
monitored closely, as some long-range ensemble members show these
remnants close to shore. /JB


&&

.AVIATION...Shallow coastal stratus continues to cling stubbornly
along the immediate coast of Northwest California. This afternoon,
ceilings continue to be solidly IFR at coastal terminals right
near shore (KCEC and KACV). Slight clearing/lifting of the low
clouds are anticipated this evening before coastal stratus
redevelops late this evening and overnight. IFR to LIFR ceilings
are expected tonight/early tomorrow for coastal terminals. Light
southerly reversal flow is forecast along the northern Humboldt
and Del Norte Coast. VFR conditions are expected for interior
terminals through the TAF period. /JLW


&&

.MARINE...Northerly winds remain elevated in the outer waters and in
the lee of Cape Mendocino. Winds gradually ease, especially
nearshore today and Sunday. By Monday afternoon, peak gusts of 10-20
kts are expected across all waters. Light to moderate winds are
expected for much of the week.

Seas remain characterized mainly by wind waves and small mid to long
period northwesterly and southerly swells. Steep seas will slowly
ease in the outer waters late this weekend and be relatively mild
by Monday. A larger southerly swell, peaking at 4-5 ft from
Tropical Storm Elida arrives Monday and continues for much of the
week. With relatively light northerly winds, seas could be
dominated by this swell. This could create some larger breakers
than usual on the southern facing beaches, especially south of
Cape Mendocino.


&&

.EKA WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
CA...
None.
NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA COASTAL WATERS...
     Small Craft Advisory until 3 PM PDT Monday for PZZ470-475.

&&

$$

NOTE: The full forecast discussion is now regularly issued between
10 am/pm and 1 pm/am. Additional updates will be issued as needed.

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