California’s Bay Area is facing a near-critical fire weather risk due to gusty winds and dry conditions. The heightened danger is expected to last through Saturday, especially in the interior East Bay, eastern Santa Clara Hills, and parts of the Gabilan Range in Monterey and San Benito counties.
Residents and authorities are on high alert as the dry, windy conditions increase the risk of fast-moving grass fires.
Fire Weather Threat
The National Weather Service in San Francisco reports wind gusts of 25 to 40 mph, combined with afternoon humidity levels between 15% and 25%, creating a dangerous situation for wildfires.
The conditions are most concerning in dry brush and open terrain, making areas like the Diablo Range foothills, Altamont Pass, and stretches of Highway 152 near Pacheco Pass particularly vulnerable.
What Residents Should Do
To reduce fire risk, residents are urged to:
- Secure tow chains to avoid sparks from vehicles
- Properly extinguish cigarettes and never discard them in dry areas
- Avoid using spark-generating equipment like lawnmowers, which could ignite nearby vegetation
- Keep water sources available near any open flames
Officials also remind everyone to remain cautious of their surroundings, especially in areas with dry brush and high winds.
Historical Context and Outlook
This weather pattern mirrors the fire conditions seen in early summers of 2021 and 2022, where dry, gusty winds contributed to fast-moving fires in unincorporated valleys. Cal Fire remains on alert, and a red flag warning could be issued if conditions worsen.
While fire weather concerns are expected to ease by Sunday, breezy, dry conditions may return next week, continuing the risk of fires in vulnerable areas.
