Brad Baker's Coho ho ho weather forecast compiled 0700 PDT August 22
Very little change in the forecast today, with offshore high pressure, an upper low forming over Washington today and tonight and a thermal low inland at N. California. Today light southerlies should persist off the Washington and Northern Oregon coast with North winds further South from about Coos Bay onward. The pressure gradients seem to back off a bit today off the capes but it appears the gradients will get stronger over the weekend in between Cape Blanco and Cape Mendocino. The Strait of Juan de Fuca continues to have onshore flow, with light to moderate Westerly winds in the forecast.
The strongest winds at the capes do tend to be diurnal and can be strongest in the afternoon and evening with the lightest winds in the morning hours. A common strategy for cruisers is to shorten sail before dark regardless if the wind appears to be increasing. This way if condition worsen the person(s) on watch won't necessarily have to disturb the off watch crowd making noise on deck while reefing, or asking for help.
Forecast:
Today August 21
SJDF – West wind 0 – 15 possibly building to as high as 20 in the evening
WA Coast to Central Oregon – Light West to South winds 0-15 kts with moments of higher gusts possible. Seas 4-6 ' from the west at 10 seconds, wind waves 2' or less.
S. OR to N. CA – N to NW winds 10-20 knots (to 25 from Cape Blanco to Crescent City). Mixed swell from the W and SW to 3' with wind waves from the N to NW to 5'.
Friday August 22
SJDF – West wind 5-15, again possibly building to 20 in the afternoon and evening. As usual the gradient is lighter at Flattery for less wind there
WA to Central OR – Winds should clock around to N to NW by sunrise with wind speeds 5-15 with gusts to 20. Seas, west swell 5' at 9 seconds. Wind waves to 2'.
S. OR to N. CA – N to NW wind 10 – 25 with gusts to 30. Winds look to be building in the afternoon and evening hours. The strongest winds will be between the capes. The wind should be lighter within about 10 miles of shore except at the capes themselves.
Saturday August 23
SJDF – As the weather is forecast to become warmer in Washington the breeze will become more diurnal in the strait. West wind 5-25 with the strongest winds occurring Central and Eastern strait in the afternoon and evening hours. Western 3rd of the strait - west wind 0-15 knots.
WA to Central OR – N to NW wind 5-15 with gusts to 20. Seas W to NW at 5', wind waves to 3'.
S. OR to N. CA – N to NW wind 10-25 with gusts into the 30's. Windiest between the capes. Seas Mixed swell from NW and SW to 3 ' with wind waves to 7' from the N. Less wind 10 miles from shore or closer.
Sunday August 24
SJDF – West wind 0 – 20.
WA to Central OR – N to NW wind 5-15. Seas NW swell 5' with up to 3' wind waves.
S. OR to N. CA – N to NW wind 10-25 with gusts into the 30's. Windiest between the capes. Seas Mixed swell from NW and SW to 3 ' with wind waves to 7' from the N. Less wind 10 miles from shore or closer. The winds South of Cape Mendocino to SF should back off and not exceed 20 knots as the thermal low migrates a bit over these waters.
Monday August 22
SJDF – West wind 5-25 with the strongest winds afternoon and evening hours
WA to Central OR – N to NW wind 5-15. Seas NW swell 5' with up to 3' wind waves.
S. OR to N. CA – N to NW wind 10-25 with gusts into the 30's. Windiest between the capes. The wind may start to back off late as pressure gradients ease up. Seas Mixed swell from NW and SW to 3 ' with wind waves to 7' from the N. Less wind 10 miles from shore or closer. The winds South of Cape Mendocino will be lighter not exceeding 20 knots on average.
Note: In my experience the area from Cape Mendocino to SF, the winds can kick up well beyond what is forecast. Often times the duration is for a fairly short period. I don't know why this is, but it best to be prepared for such an occurrence.
Brad
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