737
FXUS66 KEKA 262240
AFDEKA

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Eureka CA
340 PM PDT Sat Sep 26 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

* Cooler temperatures this weekend, bringing chances for isolated
  interior frost.

* The extended forecast is dry

* A long period swell will bring a moderate risk for sneaker waves
  early next week.


&&

.SYNOPSIS...A colder airmass will bring slight chances for
isolated frost over the coming mornings. There are even less
chances of rainfall in the extended forecast.



&&

.DISCUSSION...This afternoon has cleared out nicely due to the
larger ridging downstream of an even larger trough, likely to
move over northern California by Sunday evening. The chances for
rain are low but models are the border of western Siskiyou and
Trinity/Humboldt county junction for Sunday evening. This may be a
light wetting rain if any.

Wind sheltered interior areas that recorded rainfall Thursday
night into early Friday morning may see radiational fog but this
will be less likely as we progress into the weekend, especially
with cloud cover sweeping in ahead of the frontal boundary. As
previously mentioned, a trough will pass through Sunday to
reinforce some chillier air and continue an isolated interior
frost threat. Chances for chilly temperatures and frost will
continue into at least early next week. The passing trough Sunday
and the frontal boundary preceding it will be dry, but could bring
a weak afternoon shower or two. The extended outlook looks to
remain dry with no chance for measurable rainfall.


&&

.AVIATION...The transition from offshore winds this morning has
been subtle. The only outlier was a particularly stubborn patch
of stratus that circulated off the coast of KACV and kept overcast
and broken skies at 600 feet, far longer than anticipated. All
terminals are now in VFR and mostly clear. This will continue
until the evening hours around 02z, especially at KACV where GFS
is signaling LIFR mostly due to lower ceilings. KUKI has a VFR
prevailing forecast but the ASOS is not functioning and so you may
see "AMD NOT SKED" until further notice. /EYS


&&

.MARINE...Northerly winds had a spell of 20-22kt sustained winds
with gusts up to 30-35kts which lasted through late morning. Winds
have eased a bit and will continue to back away from the
shoreline north of Cape Mendocino. Northerlies build Sunday
afternoon and will likely give Gale force gusts in a few localized
areas to the south of Cape Mendocino. Steep short periods will
build with the wind, entering the inner waters at times. A small
long period WNW swell is forecast to arrive Monday, at around 3 to
6 ft at 16 to 17 seconds.


&&

.BEACH HAZARDS...A long period west northwest swell at 3 to 6 ft with
a period up to 17 seconds will build in Monday. This swell will
bring a moderate risk for sneaker waves. A smaller 3 ft long period
south swell will also bring some risk for sneaker waves for south
facing beaches starting Sunday. High astronomical tides will
increase the danger, especially over rocks and jetties.

Sneaker waves are a unique hazard, with up to 30 minutes between
waves. Large, unexpected waves can sweep across the beach without
warning, sweeping people into the sea from rocks, jetties, and
beaches. These sneaker waves can also move large objects such as
logs, crushing anyone caught underneath. Even ankle to knee deep
water can knock you down and drag you out when a sneaker wave hits.
Pay attention and stay above the high water line and any wet sand to
stay safe. If the ground is wet, waves have surged.


&&

.EKA WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
CA...
None.
NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA COASTAL WATERS...
     Small Craft Advisory until 9 AM PDT Sunday for PZZ450.

     Small Craft Advisory until 9 PM PDT Sunday for PZZ455-470-
     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