EUREKA, CA – The skies above California’s North Coast darken this Friday morning as the first major Pacific storm system in weeks moves toward Humboldt Bay, bringing a damp and breezy setup for the weekend. Roads will glisten, waves will rise, and residents should brace for steady rainfall through late Sunday before the region dries out early next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Eureka, scattered showers will begin developing Friday afternoon before widespread rain arrives Friday night. Winds will strengthen from the south, reaching gusts up to 25 mph along exposed coastal areas and ridge tops. Rain intensity increases Saturday, with periods of moderate to heavy downpours and a small chance of thunder between late morning and midafternoon.
Drivers along U.S. 101 and Route 299 should prepare for slick pavement and occasional pooling water through Saturday night. Rainfall totals could reach between a quarter and half an inch per day — enough to slow weekend travel and make outdoor plans tricky. Temperatures remain mild, hovering near 65°F Friday and cooling to the upper 50s by Sunday.
By Sunday afternoon, showers will ease to scattered drizzle, setting up a gradual clearing into Monday. The start of the week looks partly cloudy with highs near 57°F and light winds, offering a brief calm between systems.
While this weekend’s storm stops short of a winter blast, it marks a clear seasonal shift. Northern California’s storm track is waking up, and early signs point to a wetter pattern settling in before Halloween — just in time for those planning coastal decorations or trick-or-treat routes along the bay.
