The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for much of the Bay Area from Thursday night through Saturday evening due to dry and windy conditions that increase the risk of rapid wildfire spread.
Initially, a fire weather watch was announced for the region, but it has now been escalated to a red flag warning, which will be active from 11 p.m. on Thursday until 5 p.m. on Saturday. This warning comes as winds are expected to reach 25-35 mph, with isolated gusts up to 65 mph in elevated areas.
Forecasts indicate that particularly windy conditions and low humidity will affect the North Bay interior mountains, the East Bay hills, the Diablo Range, and the San Francisco Peninsula.
In response to these hazardous conditions, PG&E is considering possible Public Safety Power Shutoffs in certain parts of the Bay Area.
Before the onset of dry and windy weather, the region may experience some light drizzle on Wednesday morning, though most areas are not expected to receive significant rainfall.
Additionally, a beach hazards statement is in effect for San Francisco and the coastal North Bay, which includes Point Reyes National Seashore, along with the San Francisco Peninsula coast, northern and southern Monterey Bay, and the Big Sur coast until 8 p.m. on Wednesday. The statement warns that large waves could unexpectedly reach the shores, posing risks of pulling individuals into the ocean.