Sacramento, California – Residents near the Sierra south of Highway 50 should stay weather-aware today, as isolated mountain thunderstorms could bring lightning, small hail, and the potential for new fire starts through 8 p.m. Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Sacramento, there’s a 10–15% chance of thunderstorm development between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m., especially along higher terrain south of HWY 50. Hazards include brief downpours, gusty winds, and dry lightning — a key concern for igniting wildfires in bone-dry vegetation.
Areas at risk include parts of El Dorado, Amador, Calaveras, and Tuolumne counties. While the storms may be isolated, the fire danger remains high due to the possibility of lightning strikes without significant rainfall. Motorists on mountain routes and outdoor recreationists are urged to stay alert for sudden weather changes. If you hear thunder or see lightning, move indoors immediately.
This is a low-probability but high-impact setup — a single spark could trigger fast-moving fires in dry fuel beds. Lightning may also cause power disruptions in remote areas.
Storm chances diminish after sunset, but fire danger will linger. Additional updates may be issued if storm development increases.
