It may have been a little foggy in the morning in some spots, however overall it was just another lovely week of Indian summer weather. This will, unfortunately, end early next week as a series of frontal systems will bring rain, wind and cooler temperatures. We currently have a weak onshore flow which will bring strong westerlies down the Straits of JdF this afternoon and into the evening. As we transition to a more prefrontal southeasterly flow early next week we should enjoy a very nice weekend with perfect sailing conditions on Saturday with 10-15 knots of northerly over the central Sound with lighter conditions in North and South Sound.
Sunday will not be quite so good for wind as the gradient will ease (see the chart for 21 Oct) bringing light and variable conditions to the Salish Sea. The sun will still be out so don’t skimp on the sunblock.
Also of interest to boaters and especially fishermen is the return of the “blob” in the Gulf of Alaska. Take a look at the Sea Surface Temperature Anomaly Chart and it is pretty clear to see. The real question is just how long will this body of abnormally warm water stay there bringing mild winter conditions to Alaska and BC. The long-range forecast has us in for a mild to “normal” winter with average precipitation. Unfortunately, average precipitation won’t do much to help us with our abnormally dry conditions or ease the drought conditions in central Oregon.
Today’s satellite picture shows very clearly our next frontal system winding up in the Gulf Alaska as it prepares to move into our area late Monday or early Tuesday. 
It may also bring our first big southerlies of the fall so be sure to make the boat ready for this as you tie up on Sunday after a great weekend on the water.
Enjoy the weekend!
Bruce has raced and cruised the Pacific Northwest his entire life. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Washington in Biological Oceanography and learned meteorology “to keep from getting kicked around on the race course.” Bruce spent nearly two decades as Associate Publisher for Northwest Yachting Magazine, retiring in mid-2015, and was the chairman of the board of trustees for the Northwest Marine Trade Association in 2014. (photo of Bruce driving Playstation is a bit dated, but cool)