textproduct: Juneau

UPDATE...update for the 18Z TAF issuance

Only minor updates to the forecast this morning. Front moving into the northeast Gulf bring rain to Yakutat today. Front will weaken as it approaches the panhandle this afternoon, bringing an increase in clouds and a chance of light showers for Sitka and Icy Strait corridor on north into this evening. Southern panhandle should remain warmer and dry.

MARINE

Outside (Gulf and Coastal Waters): A front is moving in along the coast today, causing winds to shift from NW to W through the day, converging near the Dixon Entrance region, and increasing speeds to around 25 kts. High pressure builds in the Gulf post-front on Saturday, but the position and sharpening of the ridge will continue to drive NW winds into the region keeping zones from Cape Decision southward elevated through the beginning of next week. Winds going into Sunday look to increase near Icy Point and Cape Spencer from fresh to strong breezes as another low digs into the western Gulf. Seas in the Gulf should remain around 4 to 6 ft going into the weekend, though waves along Cape Decision down to Dixon Entrance could increase to 5 to 7 ft due to higher wind speeds.

Inside (Inner Channels): As a front passes through the region today, a westerly shift will impact winds within the E-W oriented channels, especially Cross Sound with an expected increase to 15 to 20 kts. Southern Clarence Strait and Cordova Bay will also see an increase, likely up to 25 kts further south. Winds are expected to diminish through the overnight hours as a ridge begins to build in the Gulf. For this westerly pattern, the N-S channel winds should remain around light to gentle breezes through the weekend, except for Northern Lynn Canal which will pick up during the day. Clarence Strait should see another increase in winds going into Monday as NW winds increase due to a sharpening ridge.

AJK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

PUBLIC...Heat Advisory until 7 PM AKDT this evening for AKZ331. MARINE...None.