The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory and Red Flag Warning for the San Francisco Bay Area and much of Northern California. This warning is in effect from 10pm Friday December 15, 2017 through 10am Sunday December 17, 2017 for higher than normal December temperatures, low humidity coupled with strong Northeast winds. The Red Flag Warning is forecasted to expire on Sunday, however could be extended if conditions continue to meet thresholds. The combination of sustained dry conditions, forecasted strong winds and sustained low humidity will bring elevated fire weather to the area. Northerly winds of 20 to 35 mph are expected, with local gusts over 50 mph forecasted by the National Weather Service Office in San Francisco. Relative humidity readings of 5% to 20% are forecast for Saturday afternoon while humidity values of 10 to 30% can be expected Saturday night. The strongest winds are favored for the North Bay Mountains, East Bay Hills and Diablo Range, low humidity can be expected in all locations and will continue past the Red Flag expiration. Dry conditions are likely to continue for at least the next 10-14 days in the Bay Area. In preparation for the forecasted wind event this weekend, CAL FIRE has pre-positioned additional air and ground resources in the Santa Clara Unit and surrounding region. However, responders need us all to do our part! The best situation for emergency response personnel is to prevent the start of fires. Do not let the low temperatures outside give you a false sense of security as to the danger! Temperature has little to do with fire conditions. Remember for any fire you are determined to have started that escapes your control you can be held civilly and criminally responsible. CAL FIRE encourages residents to not burn outside, use power equipment safely in vegetated areas and use mechanized equipment carefully during this Wind Advisory and Red Flag Warning.
