National Weather Service Text Product Display

Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Eureka, CA

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-- Discussion containing changed information from previous version are highlighted. --
947
FXUS66 KEKA 231001
AFDEKA

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Eureka CA
301 AM PDT Fri Apr 23 2021

.SYNOPSIS...-- Changed Discussion --Today will be the last warm and dry day across the
interior, while cooler marine air lingers along the coast. Cooler
and wetter weather is in store for the weekend, with widespread
rain and high mountain snow expected late Saturday night and
Sunday.-- End Changed Discussion --

.DISCUSSION...-- Changed Discussion --An upper-level ridge axis is currently right
along the West Coast this morning but will continue to shift
eastward today, resulting in the last day of dry and stable
conditions. The first upper wave moves across the region and will
be preceded by some high clouds later today. This first feature
may bring some light rain or drizzle to the coast late tonight and
Saturday along with some very light showers inland. A brief break
in the precip occurs late Saturday before the main low pressure
system moves into the coast. This low will be accompanied by a
cold front that is expected to bring a more substantial shot of
beneficial rain late Saturday night through Sunday. Behind the
front there is progressively colder air aloft, promoting a more
unstable airmass while atmospheric profiles favor a transition to
showery precipitation Sunday afternoon and evening. Under this
regime have added a slight threat of thunderstorms and small hail
to the forecast during the Sunday afternoon time frame. Meanwhile,
snow levels lowering toward 4000 feet on Sunday will allow for
some mountain snow, with significant accumulations and travel
impacts likely for Scott Mountain Summit on Highway 3, while most
of our other highway passes remain wet. Its still a little early
to hoist a Winter Weather Advisory for that spot but will likely
needed in the upcoming weather packages. Some showers may linger
into Monday as a trailing shortwave passes through, but otherwise
expect a drying trend with moderating temperatures through mid-
week. Ensemble guidance through next weekend shows a substantial
amount of spread, so while the bulk of guidance keeps us fairly
mild with limited rainfall, do not have much confidence in any
more specifics beyond that. jt/ad-- End Changed Discussion --

.AVIATION...-- Changed Discussion --Mostly IFR to MVFR are expected at both coastal
terminals this morning, with conditions improving slightly this
afternoon. Some stratus will be possible later this morning at KUKI
as another surge is expected up the Russian River Valley. Mid to
upper-level clouds will be on the increase later today as a low
pressure system approaches Northwest California. Some sprinkles will
be possible along the coast starting late this evening.-- End Changed Discussion --

.MARINE...-- Changed Discussion --Northerlies have weakened substantially over the coastal
waters and will continue to wane through the morning hours today.
Winds will become southerly over all zones by midnight tonight and
slightly increase overnight. Southerlies will top out in the fresh
breeze range from Saturday morning through early Sunday morning
(particularly over the northern waters) as two shortwaves traverse
the area. As we head into next week, generally light to gentle
breezes are expected over the coastal waters through Wednesday. Seas
have generally weakened throughout the coastal waters and will
continue this trend this morning. Seas are expected to remain below
8 feet through the middle of the upcoming work week. Otherwise, a
small westerly swell and a small southerly swell will impact
portions of the waters this weekend.-- End Changed Discussion --

.EKA WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
-- Changed Discussion --CA...None.
NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA COASTAL WATERS...Small Craft Advisory until 9 AM PDT this morning for PZZ450-455.

Small Craft Advisory until noon PDT today for PZZ470.

Small Craft Advisory until noon PDT today for PZZ475.

Hazardous Seas Warning until 3 AM PDT early this morning for
PZZ475.-- End Changed Discussion --

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