textproduct: Eureka

KEY MESSAGES

* Warmer and drier interior temperatures into the weekend with highs in the 90s by Sunday.

* A shallow but strong marine layer forming close to shore with persistent marine clouds.

* Similar warm and dry conditions early next week with potential clearing near shore by Monday.

SYNOPSIS

Upper level ridging will create conditions of slightly warmer temperatures than normal for the interior through the weekend. Meanwhile, persistent marine stratus and overcast skies will hang along shore. Similar conditions will continue into early next week.

DISCUSSION

High pressure will continue to grow through the weekend. Extensive marine stratus remains along the coast overnight and should last through most of the weekend with clearing each afternoon not likely. Daytime temperatures will increase slightly this weekend to slightly warmer than normal due to weak compressional heating for inland areas. A stable atmosphere will decrease the chances for low- and mid-level clouds inland as well as decreasing the chance for sporadic gusts. By Sunday, highs for eastern interior valleys will most likely reach the low to mid 90s. Marine influence (overcast skies and cooler temps) will become increasingly shallower and remain persistent along the direct coast. Weak low pressure moving into the central California Coast early next week will weaken high pressure, but temperatures will most likely remain slightly above normal for the interior. For the coast, the low could disrupt the marine layer, allowing for some sunnier skies and warmer temperatures by Monday and Tuesday. Most ensemble members show high pressure reforming around Wednesday and Thursday. This high pressure will most likely be moderate, but a few members continue to show it stronger, possibly allowing for some interior locations to graze 100 degrees. Most ensemble members also show a weak cold front of some description late next week, but essentially none of them show any rain at all besides some very light coastal drizzle. /JHW & DS

AVIATION

Stratus continues for most of the North Coast this evening with MVFR ceilings prevailing through the night into the late morning. Periods of IFR are possible, yet not expected with around 30% chance for ACV and CEC overnight. However, come daytime, these chances increase to near 70%. Northerly winds are expected to continue for the coast with possible southerlies at Shelter Cove. Inland areas will experience VFR with weak N-NW flow below 10kts building in the afternoon. DS

MARINE

Gentle to moderate breezes in the north and fresh to strong breezes in the southern waters prevail overnight. Winds increase slightly Saturday after dawn with stronger winds forming south of Cape Mendocino. Winds will most likely remain much calmer closer to shore with possible southerlies early each morning near protected areas as eddy form around taller terrain near the coastline. Short period waves will dominate the marine environment building over 8 feet in the outer waters by Sunday. There remains only a very minor southwest mid period swell up to 2 feet. Northerly winds remain elevated through early next week. DS

EKA WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

CA... None. NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA COASTAL WATERS... Small Craft Advisory until 9 PM PDT Sunday for PZZ455-475.

Small Craft Advisory from 3 AM to 9 PM PDT Sunday for PZZ470.