textproduct: Eureka

SYNOPSIS

Isolated to scattered dry thunderstorms continue this afternoon and evening. Isolated thunderstorms are possible again in northern Trinity County Saturday. Warmer and drier conditions are likely early to mid next week.

KEY MESSAGES

- Thunderstorms over higher terrain of northern Humboldt and Trinity counties this afternoon and evening.

- Isolated thunderstorms are possible again in Trinity County Saturday.

- Warming trend returns next week.

DISCUSSION

An upper level trough approaching the area has brought cooler and and moist conditions to the area. Isolated to scattered thunderstorms will continue in Trinity, interior Humboldt, and interior Del Norte through this evening. A stray shower or thunderstorm is also possible over coastal Del Norte and Humboldt this afternoon. A Red Flag Warning is in effect in interior Humboldt and northern Trinity County through 7PM for the threat of dry lightning. Some stronger storms may develop, which could bring gusty and erratic outflow winds of up to 30 to 40 mph.

Increased cloud cover today and Saturday will drastically drop interior temperatures=to the 70s or 80s for most interior valleys. Areas that remain cloudy could struggle to even reach 70. The trough moves eastward Saturday, but some lingering moisture and instability could bring isolated thunderstorms for the interior again. The highest chances are in the Trinity Horn and possibly the Yolla Bollys, but activity is still expected to diminish compared to today.

A slight uptick in temperatures is expected Saturday with 80s likely for most valleys, while a more pronounced warming trend starts Sunday and continues into early next week. Temperatures in the 90s to near triple digits are possible again by Monday. Generally minor to moderate HeatRisk is expected, with heat largely remaining below advisory levels. Troughing to the north of the area Tuesday and Wednesday could bring additional chances of interior thunderstorms. Confidence is not high as instability and moisture currently look meager, but this will need to be watched. JB

AVIATION

Clouds have lifted along the coast as the marine layer deepens. MVFR ceilings are forecast to be persistent today for the coastal areas, though some brief scattering and/or lifting to VFR is possible this afternoon. Thunderstorms are possible for interior Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity, with low end chances of thunder near the coastal terminals. IFR ceilings are likely to return to the coast this evening and overnight. MVFR ceilings are likely to return to UKI this evening and overnight, with valley fog possible with recent rains and high dewpoints. JB

MARINE

Winds have generally dropped to gentle or even calm across all waters. Moderately steep short period seas are gradually falling and will generally fall below 6 feet this afternoon. Beyond the wind waves, there is a minor but persistent mid period northwest swell around 4 to 5 feet that may be more obvious with the milder seas. North winds will gradually increase again this weekend with near gale force gusts in the outer waters by Sunday afternoon. These winds will pull closer to shore brining steep short period seas to all waters through early next week. /JHW

EKA WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

CA... Red Flag Warning until 7 PM PDT this evening for CAZ403-406- 409>411.

NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA COASTAL WATERS... Small Craft Advisory from 9 PM Saturday to 3 AM PDT Monday for PZZ470-475.