The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for much of the Bay Area, set to take effect from Thursday night until Saturday evening, due to dry and windy conditions that heighten the risk of wildfires. This warning replaces an earlier fire weather watch and is in effect from 11 p.m. Thursday through 5 p.m. Saturday. Forecasts predict winds ranging from 25 to 35 mph, with isolated gusts reaching up to 65 mph in higher elevations.
Regions particularly vulnerable to the expected windy conditions and low humidity include the North Bay interior mountains, the East Bay hills, the Diablo Range, and the San Francisco Peninsula. Meteorologist Kari Hall noted the arrival of a cold front that brings high winds and heightened fire danger.
Additionally, PG&E is preparing for possible Public Safety Power Shutoffs in parts of the Bay Area in response to these fire weather conditions.
Before the arrival of these dry and windy conditions, the region may experience light drizzle on Wednesday morning, although substantial precipitation is not anticipated.
Furthermore, a beach hazards statement is currently in place for San Francisco, coastal North Bay areas including Point Reyes National Seashore, the San Francisco Peninsula coast, as well as northern and southern Monterey Bay and the Big Sur coast, valid until 8 p.m. Wednesday. There is a risk of large waves unexpectedly crashing onto the shores of these locations, posing a danger of pulling individuals into the ocean.