textproduct: Juneau

AVIATION...18z TAFS

Variable conditions continue across the panhandle due to an area of higher pressure over the gulf and easterly flow continuing to bring conflicting low and high clouds across the region. Low clouds have moved across the northern portions of the gulf into Icy Strait and through N Lynn Canal allowing for MVFR to IFR conditions to continue into this morning. Areas Juneau southward have seen improving conditions through the morning as the lower clouds and fog have dissipated from daytime heating. Similar conditions will continue through the day. There is a chance that northern areas will see some broken clouds later this morning or this afternoon. For tonight, fog and lower clouds are anticipated to return as ridging continues across the area. Fog is again most likely to develop over southern areas including Petersburg, the Ketchikan area, and Prince of Wales Island.

SYNOPSIS

Key Messages:

- A marine layer is building over the eastern half of the Gulf of Alaska and coastal areas.

- Showers will diminish Saturday morning as high pressure slowly builds in from the west.

LONG TERM... /Monday through Friday/

A low pressure system will set up west of Anchorage and lead to a fairly wet weather pattern for the Northern Panhandle. The highest rainfall totals through next next week to be from Yakutat to the West, where totals will likely be up to 1.5". Based on the orientation of the low, there could be some stronger winds early Monday morning near Icy Bay (up to 25 kts).

As a low pressure stalls out to the west, it will lead to on shore flow and keep chances for clouds and rain in the forecast. If some additional clearing is able to occur, then temperatures could rise Thursday across the Southern Panhandle. High temperatures are currently forecast to be in the mid-to-upper 60s, but some 70s are not out of the question.

MARINE

Outside (Gulf and Coastal Waters): Northwesterly winds continue across the gulf as higher pressure moves into the area. Winds remain on the lighter side below 15 kts through Saturday before the next low pressure system moves into the western gulf. At this time, Sunday morning, winds will become southeasterly and increase. Strongest winds are anticipated over the far off shore waters and the northern gulf, near Kayak Island. These areas are likely to see winds increase to 20 to 25 kts and remain elevated through late Sunday. Along with winds, significant wave heights will build to 6 to 8 ft across the gulf. Winds and seas will once again then diminish Monday.

Inside (Inner Channels): Light southerly winds continue across the inner channels. There are some areas of elevated winds of 5 to 10 kts around Point Couverden this afternoon. These winds are likely to diminish with widespread winds less than 10 kts by tomorrow morning. An area of higher pressure then builds over the area tomorrow. This will keep winds on the lighter side with a few isolated areas of increased winds. Strongest winds are anticipated over N Lynn Canal, especially throughout Taiya Inlet. Taiya Inlet specifically could see winds increase to 20 kts with some gusty winds of 25 to 30 kts possible. The trend of stronger afternoon winds in N Lynn Canal will continue through the weekend. Otherwise winds will continue to remain on the lighter side through the weekend, with the localized areas of slightly stronger winds.

AJK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

PUBLIC...None. MARINE...Small Craft Advisory for PKZ652.