The National Weather Service has announced a red flag warning for a significant portion of the Bay Area from Thursday night through Saturday evening due to dry and windy conditions that increase the risk of rapidly spreading wildfires.
Initially, the weather service had issued a fire weather watch for the week, but it has been escalated to a red flag warning, which will remain in effect from 11 p.m. Thursday until 5 p.m. Saturday. Forecasters anticipate winds of 25-35 mph, with isolated gusts reaching up to 65 mph in higher elevations.
Particularly windy conditions and low humidity are expected in areas such as the North Bay interior mountains, the East Bay hills and Diablo Range, and the San Francisco Peninsula.
Meteorologist Kari Hall is monitoring an incoming cold front associated with high winds and fire hazards in the Microclimate Forecast.
In light of these fire weather conditions, PG&E is considering potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs in certain parts of the Bay Area.
Ahead of the dry and windy conditions, the Bay Area may experience light drizzle on Wednesday morning, but most locations are expected to receive minimal precipitation.
Additionally, a beach hazards statement is in effect for San Francisco, the coastal North Bay including Point Reyes National Seashore, the San Francisco Peninsula coast, and parts of northern and southern Monterey Bay, as well as the Big Sur coast until 8 p.m. Wednesday. Large waves could unexpectedly reach the shores in these areas, posing risks to individuals near the water.