Sacramento, California – Dry air and gusty winds are creating elevated fire weather conditions across portions of Northern California today, increasing the potential for fast-moving grass and brush fires through this evening. While monsoonal moisture is expected to gradually return later this weekend, conditions remain favorable for rapid fire starts across the northern Sacramento Valley and nearby foothills.
According to the National Weather Service in Sacramento, breezy south to west winds of 15 to 25 mph combined with relative humidity values in the low teens to low 20% range will create elevated fire danger through this evening. Overnight humidity recovery is expected to remain limited, allowing vegetation to stay exceptionally dry.
The greatest concern includes the northern Sacramento Valley and northeast foothills, including areas near Redding, Red Bluff, Chico, Oroville, Yuba City, Grass Valley and Auburn. Any fire that develops could spread quickly in dry grasses and brush, especially where winds become strongest during the afternoon.
Residents are urged to avoid activities that could create sparks, including using outdoor equipment on dry vegetation, improperly discarding cigarettes or leaving vehicles parked over tall grass. Officials also recommend securing trailer chains and delaying any outdoor burning until conditions improve.
Fire weather conditions are expected to ease after tonight as additional monsoonal moisture begins moving into Northern California. However, residents should continue monitoring updates from the National Weather Service, as changing weather conditions could alter the wildfire threat through the weekend.
