Elevated Fire Danger For California

news image
Special Stories
7 Nov 2018 6:37 PM
Santa Ana winds are back for California this week. Not only does this mean warmer than average temperatures and breezy conditions but this also brings high fire concerns. What are Santa Ana Winds? Santa Ana winds are winds that come from the east producing an offshore flow for California. These winds are also directed over the Sierras resulting in downslope winds. Because this flow produces subsidence, downslope winds experience warming, drying, increasing stability, and clearing if clouds are present This, unfortunately, is the perfect recipe for high fire danger and with no moisture in the forecast for the next week the atmosphere will continue to dry out so much that any small little spark that ignites could result in a larger problem if winds continue to stay on the breezy side. Red Flag Warnings are in place for parts of the Sacramento Valley and parts of the San Joaquin Valley until Friday. Remember: A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger. Meteorologist Merry Matthews
All Weather News
More
Rounds of Severe Storms to Impact Great Plains and Midwest Through the Weekend

Rounds of Severe Storms to Impact Great Plains and Midwest Through the Weekend

A dynamic summer weather pattern is setting t

11 Jul 2025 3:20 AM
Storms Return From the Front Range to Texas

Storms Return From the Front Range to Texas

Moisture is moving back into the Central and

11 Jul 2025 3:00 AM
Medium Range Tropics Forecast Favors Gulf, CSU Updates Seasonal Forecast

Medium Range Tropics Forecast Favors Gulf, CSU Updates Seasonal Forecast

While the Atlantic appears quiet, conditions

11 Jul 2025 2:40 AM
Severe Thunderstorms Expected Across the East Coast

Severe Thunderstorms Expected Across the East Coast

The severe weather and flood threat continues

11 Jul 2025 2:35 AM
Timeline: How Catastrophic Flooding Unfolded in Texas Hill Country

Timeline: How Catastrophic Flooding Unfolded in Texas Hill Country

TEXAS - Catastrophic flooding devastated port

10 Jul 2025 10:00 AM
Ruidoso Flash Flooding - Record Crest for the Rio Ruidoso River

Ruidoso Flash Flooding - Record Crest for the Rio Ruidoso River

A slow-moving monsoonal thunderstorm develope

10 Jul 2025 1:55 AM
Dangerous Heat Building Out West

Dangerous Heat Building Out West

WEST - Heat alerts have been issued across th

9 Jul 2025 9:00 AM