Eureka, California – Critical fire weather conditions are expected across portions of Northern California on Monday as thunderstorms and gusty winds target dry, fire-prone terrain. A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for Trinity County from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m., with dangerous lightning and erratic winds posing a high risk of new wildfire ignitions.
According to the National Weather Service in Eureka, a surge of upper-level monsoonal moisture is sweeping into the Sacramento Valley, triggering widespread cloud cover and increasing storm potential over the coastal ranges. Thunderstorm activity is forecast to intensify Monday afternoon and evening, with lightning strikes and 15-25% storm chances in fire weather zones including Trinity, Shasta, and surrounding counties.
Even with wetting rains possible in storm cores, the risk of dry lightning remains high. Fuels across the region are critically dry, and any new ignitions could spread rapidly under gusty outflow winds. Emergency officials urge residents to delay outdoor work and seek shelter indoors when thunder roars.
The Fire Weather Watch may be upgraded to a Red Flag Warning if storm confidence increases. Residents should monitor alerts and be prepared for rapid fire development through Monday night.
Five Day Forecast for Eureka, CA:
- Sunday: Increasing clouds, highs near 77°F, light winds
- Monday: 25% chance of afternoon thunderstorms, highs in the mid-80s, gusty winds
- Tuesday: Partly cloudy, highs near 80°F, slight chance of isolated showers
- Wednesday: Sunny and dry, highs in the upper 70s
- Thursday: Clear skies, temperatures steady around 78°F
