Red flag warnings go up across Northern California for high winds despite cool temperatures
Most of Northern California is facing fire weather conditions this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
The agency issued a red flag warning on Friday for a large portion of Northern California, extending from Eureka to Sacramento to Modesto to the Bay Area, due to gusty northerly and easterly winds, as well as low humidity, leading to an increased risk of fire danger. The highest threat, according to the warning, is along the west side of the Sacramento Valley.
The warning goes into effect at 5 a.m. Saturday to 5 p.m. Sunday.
The agency previously issued a fire weather watch for parts of Northern California, including Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto, Chico and Redding. It also issued a wind advisory from 8 a.m. Saturday to 2 p.m. Sunday.
North-to-east winds are expected to top to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.
Areas not under a red flag warning, mainly along the Sierra foothills, remain part of a wind advisory through 2 p.m. Sunday for winds between 20 and 30 mph with gusts to 45 mph or higher, especially in “higher elevations and through gaps and canyons.”
A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for early Saturday morning - Sunday afternoon for gusty north to east winds and low relative humidity for much of the Valley and adjacent terrain. Be sure to practice fire weather safety this weekend! #CAwx
Forecast: https://t.co/WjKBsJmSfA pic.twitter.com/2ult7zObPf— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) October 26, 2023
The weather service advises people to practice fire prevention methods, such as avoiding burning outdoors, steering clear of equipment that causes sparks, not parking on dry grass and discarding cigarettes properly.
Will it be hot this weekend?
Despite the fire weather warning, temperatures in Sacramento will be cool for the weekend.
Friday’s high temperature in the capital city is expected to be around 66 degrees with lows around 42. Highs for Saturday and Sunday are forecast to be between 68 and 70 degrees, followed by overnight lows near 49 on Saturday night and 40 on Sunday night.
What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.
