Red Flag Fire Weather Warning Issued for Bay Area: High Fire Danger from Thursday Night Through Saturday
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Red Flag Fire Weather Warning for much of the San Francisco Bay Area, as strong winds and dry conditions significantly increase the risk of wildfires over the coming days. The warning is set to take effect from 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, through 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024.
This alert applies to all nine Bay Area counties, including San Francisco, the Peninsula coast, and the San Francisco Bay shoreline. Critical fire weather conditions are expected, with forecasters predicting wind speeds of 25-35 miles per hour, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph. In the North Bay interior mountains and the Diablo Range, isolated wind gusts could peak at 65 mph, especially at the highest elevations.
“Despite the recent cool weather and higher humidity levels, we anticipate a widespread and prolonged offshore wind event,” the National Weather Service said. “These winds will dry fuels very quickly, significantly increasing fire danger.”
Daytime relative humidity (RH) levels are expected to drop as low as 10%, compounding the fire risk. The combination of strong winds, dry conditions, and low humidity is a recipe for rapid wildfire spread, prompting officials to issue this heightened alert.
In response to the Red Flag Fire Weather Warning, PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric Company) has warned of potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) during the affected period. Power outages may occur in counties including Alameda, Contra Costa, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma, as the utility company seeks to prevent downed power lines from sparking fires during the high winds.
Authorities are urging Bay Area residents, particularly those in fire-prone areas like the East Bay hills and the North Bay, to be prepared for emergencies. Officials advise creating and reviewing evacuation plans, keeping up-to-date with local authorities, and avoiding any outdoor burning during this period.
The warning follows an earlier Fire Weather Watch, which was upgraded as forecasters became more confident in the intensity of the approaching weather event. The Red Flag Warning is an indicator of critical fire weather conditions, though it is not as severe as “Extreme Fire Weather,” a category seen in some of California’s most destructive fires.
Residents living in high-risk areas, such as Berkeley and the East Bay hills, are encouraged to stay vigilant and ready for potential evacuation orders. Those in other parts of the Bay Area should also exercise caution, as fires could spread rapidly if ignited.
Before the dry, windy conditions set in, the Bay Area could see some light moisture, with drizzle forecast for Wednesday morning. However, this is not expected to bring significant rainfall. Additionally, a Beach Hazard Statement is in effect for coastal areas, including Point Reyes National Seashore, the San Francisco Peninsula coast, and Monterey Bay, through 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, due to large waves and the risk of sneaker waves that could sweep people into the sea without warning.