RED FLAG WARNING 

Issued:  November 4, 2024

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning. 

A RED FLAG WARNINGIS IN EFFECT TUESDAY (11/5) MORNING THROUGH THURSDAY (11/7) MORNING FOR THE BAY AREA AND CENTRAL COAST AS STRONG OFFSHORE WINDS AND CRITICALLY DRY CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP.

Offshore winds are anticipated to increase early Tuesday morning and persist through Thursday morning.   North to northeasterly wind gusts will average between 25 and 50 mph, particularly across the higher terrain of the Santa Cruz Mountains, East Bay Hills, North Bay Mountains, as well as interior portions of Napa and Sonoma counties. In particular, these areas of Napa and Sonoma counties have an increased likelihood of wind gusts in excess of 55 mph late Tuesday and through the day on Wednesday.   Afternoon humidity values will fall to between 15 and 25 percent. Overnight humidity recovery will be poor with readings between 25 and 45 percent. The combination of the aforementioned winds and humidity will translate to fires exhibiting a large resistance to control and thereby creating a hazardous and extreme wildfire environment.   

Fire crews and residents are urged to remain abreast of the weather forecast over the next couple of days.

* TIMING...11 AM Tuesday (11/5) until 7 AM Thursday (11/7).

* WINDS...Offshore winds up to or above 25 mph with gusts in excess of 55 mph.

*RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Afternoon humidity as low as 15%.  Overnight humidity recovery between 25 and 45%.

* LIGHTNING...None anticipated.

* IMPACTS...Despite recent rainfall, a long duration offshore flow event is anticipated. This will result in the rapid curing of fuels. The combination of strong winds and low humidity will cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity.   

Outdoor burning is prohibited in the Moraga Orinda Fire District.

Instructions:

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now...or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

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