textproduct: Eureka

SYNOPSIS

Coastal drizzle is possible tonight and into Saturday for Humboldt, with some light rainfall over Del Norte. More significant warming will begin late this weekend and next week.

DISCUSSION

A front is approaching Northwest California. This boundary is expected to weaken and drift towards Del Norte County overnight tonight and into Saturday. This will increase cloud cover over the region and perhaps bring light rain to Del Norte County and light rain/drizzle to northern Humboldt County.

Precipitation will move into the region very late tonight and persist into late Saturday morning/early afternoon. Currently, looking at NBM 24 hour probabilities of over 0.1 inches accumulation (5pm Friday 3/13 to 5pm Saturday 3/14): Del Norte County has about an 85 to 95 percent chance; northern Humboldt County has about a 50 to 70 percent chance with higher chances along the coast from about Cape Mendocino and north. More recent NBM runs even have about a 25 to 45 percent chance for 0.5 inches or more for Del Norte County in 24 hours over the same time period (5pm Friday 3/13 to 5pm Saturday 3/14).

Generally, a dominant ridge of high pressure will build over the region this weekend and into next week. There is high confidence the ridge will begin to greatly amplify through the end of the weekend. Near record high temperatures will be possible with some of the warmest valleys in Mendocino and southern Lake possibly approaching 90 degrees by early next week. As of now, the warmest days will most likely be Monday and Tuesday. These temperatures will bring some Minor level HeatRisk, with perhaps very localized Moderate levels for far southern Lake County. Most interior valleys could see temperatures in the 80s, while coastal areas could see high temperatures in the mid/high 60s to low 70s through that period.

AVIATION...(18Z TAFs)

VFR conditions are being observed at all terminals and low clouds in the river valleys have lifted and scattered. Low ceilings are likely to develop this evening and overnight, with drizzle and/or light rain possible around ACV and CEC. LIFR to IFR ceilings and visibilities are possible. This front moves out of the area around sunrise Saturday and ceilings are likely to lift and scatter. Some interior valleys could see stratus again overnight, but UKI is likely to remain VFR. JB

MARINE

Northerly winds remain breezy around and south of Cape Mendocino, with sustained winds of 20 to 30 kts possible this afternoon. Steep wind waves of 4 to 6 feet will be associated with these winds. Outside of this area, winds remain mild with generally west to northwest winds. Seas are dominated by a mid period northwest swell at around 5 to 7 ft and a small long period southerly swell. Winds diminish overnight and turn south- southwesterly north of the Cape as a weak front moves through the area. North winds sharply increase late Saturday morning and afternoon behind this front, bringing near-gale force gusts to the northern waters and widespread 20 to 25 kt sustained winds. Steep wind waves of 5 to 8 ft will be associated with these winds. Winds ease north of Cape Mendocino Sunday, but remain breezy around and south of Cape Mendocino into early next week. Winds ease mid to late next week. JB

EKA WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

CA... None. NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA COASTAL WATERS... Small Craft Advisory from 3 PM Saturday to 4 AM PDT Sunday for PZZ450.

Small Craft Advisory until 4 AM PDT Sunday for PZZ455.

Small Craft Advisory from 11 AM Saturday to 11 AM PDT Sunday for PZZ470.

Small Craft Advisory until 5 AM PDT Monday for PZZ475.