textproduct: Eureka

SYNOPSIS

Dry conditions are expected today through Tuesday with high pressure situated over the region. A passing front will increase rain chances Tuesday night into Wednesday, with rain most likely in Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties. Very little rain is expected across much of Mendocino and Lake counties. Dry weather returns for the entire region on Thursday.

DISCUSSION

A weak system moves through the area Tuesday night into early Wednesday. Showers will be focused on Humboldt and Del Norte Counties with around a half an inch of total rainfall expected around Humboldt Bay and up to 0.75 inches possible in the mountains. Del Norte could see anywhere from a half inch to over an inch and a half in the mountains. Much of Trinity County only has a 60% chance to see wetting rain (a tenth of an inch or more), while southern Mendocino and Lake Counties may not see any precipitation.

High pressure moves over the area Thursday into late week. This will help clear skies and bring chilly overnight temperatures. Near freezing temperatures are possible for most interior areas Thursday and Friday nights. Coastal areas could see a drop into the 30s, but coastal stratus could disrupt cooling.

Gusty north winds will also develop starting Wednesday afternoon. As of now, the Mendocino Coast and Lake County are the most likely to see the strongest winds, with NBM showing around a 30 to 50% chance for peak gusts over 40 mph Wednesday and Thursday. Coastal Humboldt and Del Norte have around a 50% chance to see gusts over 30 mph. Locally higher gusts of over 50 mph are possible on the highest ridges. Dry weather and breezy north winds are likely to continue at least into early next week. JB

AVIATION

VFR conditions are present across much of Northwest California today with scattered clouds over the higher terrain. Coastal stratus will expand this evening bringing MVFR to IFR ceilings to coastal terminals through the morning and possibly through much of the day on Tuesday north of Cape Mendocino. Winds will remain light throughout the forecast period. /RPA

MARINE

Light northerly winds are developing over the coastal waters as seas subside. A quick passing upper level ridge today into Tuesday in the advance of an approaching front should continue to keep the pressure gradient weak over the coastal waters. This will allow winds to remain relatively light through Tuesday night. Winds will quickly ramp-up behind the front as high pressure builds over the eastern Pacific. Strong northwesterlies Wednesday will become near gale to gale northerlies Thursday into the weekend. The strongest winds may occur Thursday into Friday when the pressure gradient is the tightest. There are no significant long-period swells expected to move through the waters over the next five days. /RPA

EKA WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

CA... None. NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA COASTAL WATERS... None.