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
Record Heat Returns to the West

Record Heat Returns to the West

An area of high pressure will remain locked o

5 Oct 2026 11:15 PM
Heavy Rain and Flood Threat Along For The Gulf Coast

Heavy Rain and Flood Threat Along For The Gulf Coast

Deep tropical moisture streaming north from t

5 Oct 2026 11:10 PM
Eyes on the Gulf for Potential Tropical Development

Eyes on the Gulf for Potential Tropical Development

For the first time in a long time, we've got

5 Oct 2026 9:30 PM
Tropical Update: EPAC Remains Active

Tropical Update: EPAC Remains Active

Pacific BasinThe Pacific Ocean has been incre

5 Oct 2026 9:00 PM
Fall Temperatures for the Northeast

Fall Temperatures for the Northeast

A noticeable change in the weather is on the

5 Oct 2026 12:05 PM
Plains & Midwest: Slow Moving Storms Increase Flood Threat

Plains & Midwest: Slow Moving Storms Increase Flood Threat

WHAT TO EXPECTTropical moisture from the remn

2 Oct 2026 1:25 AM
Another Round of Flooding Possible for the Southwest

Another Round of Flooding Possible for the Southwest

In the last month, the southwestern states of

1 Oct 2026 1:35 AM