Even though the new year began with rain and wind, residents of Humboldt County can expect a brief pause in the weather for the next few days.
While some rain is possible, it's expected to be light, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Matthew Kidwell on Saturday.
The blue-green swirling mass seen on the National Weather Service website Saturday morning signifies "merely light rain showers approaching," he noted. "I'd be surprised if we got much more than a brief shower here and there, maybe some drizzle."
Throughout the early-year storms, several roads in Humboldt County were flooded. Although Walnut Avenue in Cutten wasn't closed on Friday, drivers were creating large waves as one lane near the post office was flooded. The upcoming dry period could allow these flooded areas to dry out.
On Friday morning, a vehicle was seen near the U.S. Postal Service office on Walnut Avenue in Cutten. (Ruth Schneider/The Times-Standard) Meanwhile, the Jack Shaw Road bridge in the Kneeland area was closed Friday. Other roads that remained closed included Chemise Mountain Road, Coffee Creek Road, Eel River Road at Hookton Road, and Telegraph Road near the water treatment plant. Several other county roads experienced flooding but were not shut down.
Kidwell mentioned that Sunday might bring some light rain.
"Eureka will probably receive less than a quarter of an inch more rain," he mentioned. "So, if you're planning to paint something, it might be inconvenient. But if you're intending to be outdoors, it shouldn't be too troublesome."
He added that temperatures next week are likely to be in the low 60s during the daytime, with nighttime lows in the 40s.
"Maybe 35 degrees at night if it's clear," he mentioned.
Kidwell also noted that there is snow at higher elevations, but mostly outside Humboldt County, and expected above 4,500 feet altitude.
A gale warning was in effect for northern waters on Saturday. Off Humboldt County's coast, there was a small craft advisory, warning of 10-20 knot winds with gusts up to 25 knots between Point St. George and Cape Mendocino.
Inland winds could bring about pleasant weather—a welcome change from the recent downpours.
"We're going to get, especially on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, a light east wind that should help clear out any lingering coastal clouds," Kidwell said. "So, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday will likely be quite nice, sunny, dry, with a light breeze."
He warned drivers of possible fog that could impair visibility.
"Traveling to Redding, Santa Rosa, or Crescent City, especially in the evenings and early mornings, could be challenging due to dense fog, making nighttime driving difficult," he said. "The fog might be patchy but still capable of slowing you down."
Ruth Schneider can be reached at 707-441-0520.