textproduct: Juneau

UPDATE...update to include the 06Z TAF issuance

Minor updates to the forecast this evening. Snow showers have ended and skies are clearing across SE Alaska as the low pulls away to the south and high pressure builds into the Yukon, resulting in tight pressure gradient across the panhandle. Strong cold outflow is developing across the inner channels and ocean entrances. Upped the start time for the high wind warning for downtown Juneau as gusts to 60 mph were occurring as early as 3pm this afternoon. The cold, dry and windy conditions will persist through the weekend.

MARINE

Inside (Inner Channels): Northerly outflow winds continue to increase across the northern inner channels as the low pressure system moves south and high pressure builds north of SE AK. Winds over Lynn Canal into Point Couverden and Cross Sound have already increased to strong gales with gusts up to 55 kts. These areas, along with Taku Inlet and Glacier Bay, will continue to be where the strongest outflow winds are located. As winds continue to increase, gale force winds will reach into Southern Clarence Strait, Stephens Passage, and Frederick sound by Saturday night. At that time, an east to west gradient becomes more prominent bringing even stronger winds out of Taku Inlet and the Stikine River Basin. The strongest of these winds will occur Saturday evening into Sunday. There is also a chance of sustained storm force winds throughout Lynn Canal at this time. With the increasing winds, seas are expected to become fully developed fairly quickly with significant seas around 15 ft possible.

Widespread freezing spray will be a large impact during this time. Heavy freezing spray will be the most prominent in Lynn Canal, Glacier Bay, Taku Inlet, and Disenchantment Bay. Hazardous conditions last through the weekend as high pressure continues to build and remain over the Yukon to BC area.

Outside (Gulf and Coastal Waters): As the low continues to move southward, outflow conditions will start to develop along the outer. Areas that will see the strongest winds include; out of Dangerous River, out of Cross Sound, out of Southern Chatham, and near Grey Islet. As outflow strengthens, areas of storm force wind are likely near the NE gulf coast in aforementioned areas. Otherwise, easterly winds and significant seas around 8 to 12 ft will continue through the weekend. Winds and seas then relax Monday before another system pushes into the gulf mid week.

AJK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

PUBLIC...Wind Advisory until 6 PM AKST Saturday for AKZ318. High Wind Watch from Saturday evening through Sunday evening for AKZ318. Wind Advisory until 6 AM AKST Saturday for AKZ319. Cold Weather Advisory until 6 AM AKST Saturday for AKZ319. High Wind Warning until 9 PM AKST Sunday for AKZ325. MARINE...Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for PKZ011-012-053. Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for PKZ013. Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for PKZ031. Storm Warning for PKZ053-644-651-664. Gale Warning for PKZ011>013-021-022-031>033-642-643-662-663-671. Small Craft Advisory for PKZ034>036-641-652-661-672.