Hazardous Seas Warning 9, NWS Eureka, CA

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Eureka CA
159 AM PDT Sun Mar 22 2026

.SYNOPSIS...Dry weather and above average inland temperatures will
persist into next week. A weakening front will bring a quick chance
for rainfall and a period of increased southerly winds. Otherwise,
dry and warm weather will persist.

&&

.DISCUSSION...Latest satellite imagery depicts high-level clouds
streaming across the area within the westerly flow aloft, while
low clouds and patchy fog have developed around Humboldt Bay and
along the Eel river valley. Breezy to locally gusty northerly
winds are observed over the coastal ridges and interior higher
terrain overnight.

Quiet weather conditions are observed across the region as a
surface high pressure strengthens and a zonal flow aloft prevail
through Monday. This will continue to promote dry weather and
above normal (10-20F) temperatures across the area. High
temperatures are forecast to be up to around 5 degrees warmer
compared with Saturday's reading. Breezy west to northwest winds
is expected again this afternoon through the channeled terrain,
while gusty north- northwest winds will continue over the coastal
ridges.

The high pressure will crawl eastward and rising Monday through
Wednesday, while an upper-level trough approaches the Pacific NW.
Models continue to suggest an associated cold front clipping the
northern portion of the area Tuesday- Wednesday. Global ensembles
models and WPC cluster guidances have been adjusting amounts and
coverage to areas farther north with a lesser amounts over Del
Norte and Humboldt counties. However, NMB probability continue to
suggest an increase chance (60-80% chance) of wetting rain (>0.10
in) Tuesday into Wednesday to the northern portion of the CWA,
with the highest chances for Del Norte County and farther northern
portion of Humboldt. There remain the potential (25-50% chances)
for some light rain of sprinkles for Southern Humboldt, Trinity
and far northern Mendocino. Meanwhile, mostly dry weather remain
for southern Mendocino and Lake counties. Stay tunes for updates!

Ridging springs back around mid next week after our brief spat of
rain Tue or Wed. Generally dry conditions with above normal interior
high temps are expected. Overnight low temps may cool down mid or
late next week for perhaps low end frost freeze concerns. /ZVS

&&

.AVIATION...Gusty north winds are keeping cloud decks away from
terminals along the North Coast tonight. VFR conditions are
expected through the night with high confidence (>80%). Winds will
ease slightly tonight, before northerlies build again up to 20-25kts
gusts by 3/22 morning. Once these winds along the coast die, models
begin to show fog forming around Humboldt Bay and into the Eel River
Delta. The models seem confident in the timing (03Z, +/- 1hr) yet,
the ceiling is fluctuating leading the forecast to remain
optimistic.

Inland areas are expected to remain VFR through the TAF period with
afternoon gusts mixing down to terminals beginning around 21Z (+/-
2hrs).

&&

.MARINE...Very hazardous ocean conditions are forecast this
weekend. Gale force north wind gusts are highly probable (>80%
chance) primarily over the outer waters and inner waters south of
Cape Mendocino. A gale warning is in effect through Sunday midday. A
long fetch of strong northerly winds will generate very steep waves
from 10 to 15 feet with periods from 8 to 10 seconds through the
evening. Waves this large and steep will be capable of capsizing
vessels and mariners are encouraged to remain in port. A hazardous
seas warning has been issued for northern inner waters as very steep
waves will build to 10 ft or more Sat evening and Sat night. These
very steep waves will continue through Sunday afternoon and evening
for the inner waters. The outer waters will remain very steep and
treacherous through at least early Monday morning.

Outlook going into next week: Conditions will begin to calm and
subside on Monday with lower seas into Tue. Conditions deteriorate
again around mid week as a large mid period W-NW swell arrives and
potential for northerly gales increases after frontal passage from
this coming Thursday (3/26) through Saturday (3/28).

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...

.EKA WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
CA...
None.
NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA COASTAL WATERS...
     Hazardous Seas Warning until noon PDT Sunday for PZZ450.

     Gale Warning until 3 PM PDT Sunday for PZZ455.

     Gale Warning until 9 PM PDT Sunday 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