textproduct: Eureka

KEY MESSAGES

* Cooler temperatures this weekend, bringing chances for isolated interior frost.

* The extended forecast is dry

* A long period swell will bring a moderate risk for sneaker waves early next week.

SYNOPSIS

A colder airmass will bring slight chances for isolated frost over the coming mornings. There are even less chances of rainfall in the extended forecast.

DISCUSSION

This afternoon has cleared out nicely due to the larger ridging downstream of an even larger trough, likely to move over northern California by Sunday evening. The chances for rain are low but models are the border of western Siskiyou and Trinity/Humboldt county junction for Sunday evening. This may be a light wetting rain if any.

Wind sheltered interior areas that recorded rainfall Thursday night into early Friday morning may see radiational fog but this will be less likely as we progress into the weekend, especially with cloud cover sweeping in ahead of the frontal boundary. As previously mentioned, a trough will pass through Sunday to reinforce some chillier air and continue an isolated interior frost threat. Chances for chilly temperatures and frost will continue into at least early next week. The passing trough Sunday and the frontal boundary preceding it will be dry, but could bring a weak afternoon shower or two. The extended outlook looks to remain dry with no chance for measurable rainfall.

AVIATION

The transition from offshore winds this morning has been subtle. The only outlier was a particularly stubborn patch of stratus that circulated off the coast of KACV and kept overcast and broken skies at 600 feet, far longer than anticipated. All terminals are now in VFR and mostly clear. This will continue until the evening hours around 02z, especially at KACV where GFS is signaling LIFR mostly due to lower ceilings. KUKI has a VFR prevailing forecast but the ASOS is not functioning and so you may see "AMD NOT SKED" until further notice. /EYS

MARINE

Northerly winds had a spell of 20-22kt sustained winds with gusts up to 30-35kts which lasted through late morning. Winds have eased a bit and will continue to back away from the shoreline north of Cape Mendocino. Northerlies build Sunday afternoon and will likely give Gale force gusts in a few localized areas to the south of Cape Mendocino. Steep short periods will build with the wind, entering the inner waters at times. A small long period WNW swell is forecast to arrive Monday, at around 3 to 6 ft at 16 to 17 seconds.

BEACH HAZARDS

A long period west northwest swell at 3 to 6 ft with a period up to 17 seconds will build in Monday. This swell will bring a moderate risk for sneaker waves. A smaller 3 ft long period south swell will also bring some risk for sneaker waves for south facing beaches starting Sunday. High astronomical tides will increase the danger, especially over rocks and jetties.

Sneaker waves are a unique hazard, with up to 30 minutes between waves. Large, unexpected waves can sweep across the beach without warning, sweeping people into the sea from rocks, jetties, and beaches. These sneaker waves can also move large objects such as logs, crushing anyone caught underneath. Even ankle to knee deep water can knock you down and drag you out when a sneaker wave hits. Pay attention and stay above the high water line and any wet sand to stay safe. If the ground is wet, waves have surged.

EKA WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

CA... None. NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA COASTAL WATERS... Small Craft Advisory until 9 AM PDT Sunday for PZZ450.

Small Craft Advisory until 9 PM PDT Sunday for PZZ455-470- 475.