Eureka, Calif. – Scattered dry lightning and gusty winds could ignite wildfires across Northern California’s interior mountains Monday, prompting a Fire Weather Watch for multiple counties from morning through evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Eureka, a surge of upper-level moisture and hot, dry surface conditions may trigger dry thunderstorms with erratic outflow winds up to 50 mph across fire zones 204, 211, 212, 277, and 283. The watch includes areas such as the Lower Middle Klamath, Hoopa, the Van Duzen and Mad River basins, the Trinity region, and parts of the Mendocino National Forest.
The greatest threat is expected Monday afternoon with a 25% chance of scattered storms, although isolated lightning strikes could occur as early as late Sunday night or again on Tuesday. While some storms may produce brief rain, lightning could strike far from wet areas, heightening the fire risk in dry vegetation.
Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning and prepare for fast-moving fire conditions. High winds could rapidly spread any new ignition points, making containment difficult.
The Fire Weather Watch remains in effect until 11 p.m. Monday. Additional alerts, including possible Red Flag Warnings, may follow if conditions intensify.
