textproduct: Eureka

SYNOPSIS

Northerly winds have diminished considerably, but will be breezy each afternoon. Clear and dry conditions will remain through the week with a warming trend through Thursday. Temperatures will trend lower this weekend weekend.

KEY MESSAGES

-Northerly winds are much lighter, but will be breezy in the afternoons.

-Generally clear skies and dry conditions, even along shore, through the week.

-Conditions will warm through Thursday with highs in the interior peaking near 90.

DISCUSSION

Consistently strong northerly winds have diminished early this week for Northwest California as the pressure gradient eases. Winds will die down over night and then become generally breezy in the afternoons throughout this week. Overnight lows will be on the chilly side again tonight, but will begin moderating this week with building high pressure. Some areas of localized frost will be possible in the Hayfork and Larabee Valley this morning.

Conditions will remain very dry with warming temperatures through the week. Highs will most likely top out around 90 for the interior on Thursday. This will constitute only a minor HeatRisk for this time of year. Hotter temperatures will help reform a marine inversion and will increase chances for coastal stratus and fog this week

AVIATION

Northerly winds have, for the most part, moved offshore, except at Point Saint George and Cape Mendocino where winds will remain elevated overnight. Gusts up to 20 knots can be expected around KCEC very early this morning before dying down before sunrise. Other terminals in Northwest California will experience generally calm winds before sunrise. This pattern of diminished winds overnight and higher winds during the afternoon will continue through the work week. Widespread VFR conditions are anticipated with a slight probability of coastal stratus forming around Humboldt Bay early this morning. Throughout this week, coastal stratus is likely to form each night and burn off after sunrise as high pressure continues for the region. /JLW

MARINE

The pressure gradient relaxes slightly and the strongest winds move farther off the coast as the high pressure builds in. However, a large area of gale force gusts around 34-45 kts are expected across all zones, with the strongest winds downwind of Cape Mendocino. Steep to very steep, hazardous seas will continue with the elevated winds. Conditions will remain hazardous across the waters for much of the work week with strong to gale force northerly gusts and steep to very steep seas. Gale force winds and very steep seas are forecast to persists across the outer waters through Friday. /ZVS

EKA WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

CA... None. NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA COASTAL WATERS... Small Craft Advisory until 3 AM PDT Thursday for PZZ450-455.

Gale Warning until 3 AM PDT Thursday for PZZ470-475.