Frost Advisory 18, NWS Eureka, CA

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Eureka CA
1241 AM PDT Mon May 18 2026

.SYNOPSIS...Gusty north winds continue to ease today. Clear and
dry conditions will remain through the week with a warming trend
through Thursday.

&&

.KEY MESSAGES...

-Strong north winds will weaken today and through the week with
 only moderate north winds close to shore.

-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...Strong north winds continue to subside for Northwest
California, especially near shore when compared to yesterday, but
will persist through early today around the rim of the Sacramento
Valley, especially Lake County. Strong mixing will continue to
keep skies clear as temperatures begin to warm, especially across
the interior. Wind overnight will continue to preclude any frost
formation.

High pressure will already begin to weaken but move more onshore
today and through the week. This will lead to much weaker north
winds with some moderate gusts to 20 mph still pushing in right
along shore in the afternoon. Interior winds will transition to a
more terrain controlled regime. 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. Any stratus and
fog; however, will most likely be very shallow and mix out
quickly during the day.

Compared to previous runs, most ensemble members continue to show a
weak trough in the far extended forecast, but have it delayed until
after next week. Rather most models show high pressure slowly
weakening, allow temperature to drop, through next weekend. A trough
early next week could bring some light showers or thunderstorms, but
the vast majority of models currently remain dry. /JHW

&&

.AVIATION...VFR conditions are expected for terminals in
Northwest California as gusty north winds remain elevated, but
quickly diminish early this morning. Winds will remain elevated
for higher elevation areas of the Yolla Bollys and Lake County.
Winds have diminished for more protected areas; however, winds
remain elevated aloft, bringing LLWS concerns mostly for Mendocino
County.

&&

.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 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 workweek with strong to gale
force gusts north winds and steep to very steep seas. Gale force
winds and very steep seas are forecast to persists across the
outer waters through Friday. /ZVS

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...Strong north winds will continue, but diminish
into the early morning. Winds will especially remain elevated around
the rim of the Sacramento Valley and in Lake County today. Winds
will weaken by this evening and transition to more gentle terrain
wind through the week. Conditions will remain very dry with high
temperatures increasing to near 90 for the interior by Thursday.

&&

.EKA WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
CA...
None.
NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA COASTAL WATERS...
     Gale Warning until 3 AM PDT early this morning for PZZ450-
     455.

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

&&

NOTE: The full forecast discussion is now regularly issued between
10 am/pm and 1 pm/am. Additional updates will be issued as needed.

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