The National Weather Service has issued the Bay Area's first red flag warning of the year, with hot, dry winds and very low humidity raising wildfire risk. PG&E says it may shut off power in parts of eight Northern California counties, while the Putah Fire near Lake Berryessa remains an active concern.
Northern California is facing its first red flag warning of the year as forecasters warn that hot, dry winds and very low humidity could create dangerous fire weather across parts of the Bay Area and Sacramento Valley.
The National Weather Service warning covers parts of the Bay Area, including the North Bay interior mountains and East Bay hills, from Wednesday night into Thursday morning. A separate red flag warning is also in effect for the Sacramento Valley from Wednesday into Thursday.
Forecasters expect gusty winds and critically dry air, with wind gusts potentially topping 45 mph in some areas. Those conditions can make it much easier for any new fire to start and spread quickly.
PG&E has also warned that it may proactively shut off power in parts of eight Northern California counties because of the elevated wildfire risk. The utility has not said whether shutoffs will definitely happen, but the warning adds another layer of concern for residents and businesses in the region.
The fire weather threat comes as firefighters are already contending with the Putah Fire near Lake Berryessa. The blaze had already burned hundreds of acres and was still an active concern heading into the worst weather.
The warning marks an early and significant start to wildfire season for the Bay Area, where hot weather, dry vegetation and strong winds can rapidly turn small sparks into fast-moving fires.
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