textproduct: Eureka

SYNOPSIS

Temperatures will slowly warm for the interior into the weekend. A shallowing marine layer may allow for some breaks in gloomy clouds close to the coast into the weekend.

KEY MESSAGES

-High pressure building into the weekend will warm interior temperatures. High temperatures will peak Monday with minor to moderate heat risk for interior valleys.

-Gloomy coastal skies more likely to scatter and clear alongshore in the afternoons this weekend with some enhanced afternoon northerlies around Sunday.

-Cooler temperatures and slight thunderstorm potential late next week.

DISCUSSION

Weak high pressure has started to spread over the area today. This has enabled slight warming int he interior with some highs breaking above 80. Meanwhile, a still strong but shallowing and drying marine inversion has allowed for gradually clearer scattering skies along the coast, with Humboldt Bay currently the last refuge of clouds. Similar conditions will continue into the weekend. Marine influence will be strongest in the sheltered areas of Humboldt Bay, with more reliable day time clearing elsewhere. Moderate north wind will push on to shore each afternoon this evening and may help mix some low clouds away.

High pressure will continue to build through Sunday and into early next week. High temperatures will most likely peak around Next Monday. Interior highs will most likely reach the low to mid 90s. Solidly above average temperatures will promote generally minor to moderate Heat Risk with the greatest risk in Lake County due to warm conditions continuing overnight. A shallow marine layer along shore will likely make for more scattered skies in the afternoon. Should skies clear enough, coastal temperatures could reach into the mid 60s on Monday.

Most model ensemble members show a cutoff low forming up along shore mid to late next week. This low will help slightly weaken high pressure and drop interior temperatures. This low could bring a threat of thunderstorms, but most models show it staying too dry and too far offshore to bring much risk. Most thunderstorm potential late next week is no more than 10% at the moment in most models. /JHW

AVIATION

After a weak frontal passage this morning, increasing dry northerly flow is gradually clearing out coastal stratus. As a result, coastal terminals will most likely see VFR conditions this afternoon and evening. However, coastal stratus will make a return late tonight brining IFR conditions. Stratus is anticipated to be shallower overnight tonight, meaning it is less likely to make it to KUKI by early Saturday morning. VFR conditions are expected to prevail for most inland terminals. /JLW

MARINE

Southerly winds continude to increase to fresh to strong breezes by this afternoon. Saturday, these stronger winds are expected to begin to expand farther north with 15 to 20 kt across much of the area north of Cape Mendocino. This is expected to build short period wind driven waves to around 4 to 7 feet. Stronger winds are expected on Sunday with near gale to gale force gusts possible by Sunday afternoon. Winds are anticipated to gradually ease early next week; however, steep seas will prevail across the coastal waters. MKK

EKA WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

CA... None. NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA COASTAL WATERS... Small Craft Advisory until 11 PM PDT Sunday for PZZ455-475.