San Francisco, CA – Thousands of lightning strikes lit up skies over Northern California early Monday as a series of “dry” thunderstorms swept across the Central Valley and East Bay, raising fire concerns across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in San Francisco, roughly 4,792 total lightning strikes were recorded between midnight and 5:30 a.m. today, including both cloud-to-ground and in-cloud activity. Of those, approximately 1,300 were positive strikes, which carry a stronger charge and are more likely to ignite fires.
Forecasters said the system brought very little measurable rainfall, with most areas receiving less than 0.10 inches. The lack of moisture combined with lightning strikes contributed to a few fire starts that crews worked to contain Monday morning.
Meteorologists warned that “dry” thunderstorms, which deliver more lightning than rain, pose a heightened risk during California’s late summer fire season. The Central Valley and foothill regions remain under close watch as firefighters monitor for additional flare-ups.
While the storm system moved out of the Bay Area by sunrise, officials urged residents in fire-prone communities to remain alert and prepare for potential Red Flag conditions if dry winds increase.
The lightning outbreak marks one of the more significant late-summer storm events for Northern California in recent years, with weather officials continuing to track lingering instability in the region.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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