Cooler Temperatures and Rain Expected in Northwest California This Week

Gusty winds are expected to accompany the change, particularly in southern Mendocino and Lake countiesPhoto byAnna Jiménez CalafonUnsplash

Northwest California is set to experience a significant weather shift starting Thursday, as a strong upper low brings cooler temperatures and the potential for rain. According to the National Weather Service in Eureka, seasonably warm and dry conditions today will give way to a cooling trend, with temperatures dropping to the mid-60s along the coast and the low to mid-70s in interior valleys by Friday.

Gusty winds are expected to accompany the change, particularly in southern Mendocino and Lake counties, where wind gusts could reach 30 mph in exposed areas. While these winds will increase fire weather risks, higher humidity levels should mitigate the danger.

The first showers are anticipated along the Humboldt and Del Norte coasts early Thursday, with heavier rainfall and isolated thunderstorms possible by Friday afternoon. Rainfall totals could reach up to an inch in higher terrain, with the wet weather tapering off by Saturday. A warming trend is expected to return next week as high pressure builds back into the area.