Gale Watch 40, NWS Eureka, CA

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Eureka CA
307 PM PDT Sat Oct 21 2023

.SYNOPSIS...
Increasing clouds and cooler temperatures will prevail
across the region this weekend. In addition, light beneficial
rainfall is expected for most locations in Northwest California
during Sunday. A return to drier and slightly warmer weather is
then expected early next week.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
A storm system approaching the area has brought increasing cloud
cover to the entire region and a deeper marine layer to the coast.
Gradually the system will get closer to the coast tonight into
Sunday, resulting in shower development that will move onshore early
Sunday morning. Numerous showers are anticipated across the region
with most areas at least seeing some light rain. The best chances
for rain will be across the northern half of the forecast area, but
some guidance has trended farther south with the potential for
wetting rains even through Lake County. Total rainfall in any given
location is not anticipated to be heavy and will be of the
beneficial variety. With cold air aloft, a rumble of thunder or two
is also possible on Sunday.

Rain showers will quickly come to an end Sunday night and northerly
winds will begin to increase over the coastal waters and eventually
onto land on Monday. Coastal headland and ridgetops may be quite
gusty Monday into Monday night with gusts of 20-30 mph in some
areas, locally higher in the King Range. Winds have trended down
in the models slightly in Lake County for Monday and relative
humidity has increased. This has mitigated for any fire weather
concerns.

Dry conditions will prevail Monday through Tuesday. A front may sink
south toward our area sometime mid to late week bringing another
shot for light rain to the area. However, this front doesn't look
like it will disrupt the general northerly flow across the area
with rather persistent northerly winds expected over the coastal
waters and coastal headlands late into the week. /RPA

&&

.AVIATION...
VFR conditions have developed at the TAF sites today and are
expected to persist into the evening. Ceilings will eventually
decrease again later tonight into Sunday morning as a storm system
approaches the area bringing rain showers and possibly a few
thunderstorms to the area. IFR ceilings and visibility will be
possible in the shower activity. Showers will come to an end Sunday
evening leaving a very moist environment across the region.
Widespread valley fog will be possible Sunday night and again
Monday night bringing LIFR to UKI and maybe also at the coastal
terminals even if coastal stratus doesn't form. /RPA

&&

.MARINE...
Southerly winds will continue today as a weak area of low
pressure strengthens just off the coast. Gusty winds will develop
north of Cape Mendocino accompanied with steeper seas. Tonight
into Sunday winds will decrease as a cold front approaches. Strong
northerly winds will develop Sunday behind the front, reaching
the coast during the afternoon. Northerly gales are possible with
very steep seas developing as a result. Northerlies further
increase Monday afternoon, then trend down through mid-week. Seas
remain primarily locally generated.

&&

.EKA WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
CA...
None.
NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA COASTAL WATERS...
     Small Craft Advisory from 2 AM Monday to 3 AM PDT Tuesday
     for PZZ450-455.

     Small Craft Advisory from 9 PM Sunday to 8 PM PDT Monday
     for PZZ470-475.

&&

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For forecast zone information
see the forecast zone map online:
https://www.weather.gov/images/eka/zonemap.png