Fire Weather Watch becomes Red Flag Warning due to forecasted wind gusts
SACRAMENTO - Officials have issued a Red Flag Warning for Wednesday, covering the Sacramento Valley, the western side of the valley, and the northeastern foothills.
The watch goes into effect at 11 p.m. Wednesday evening and lasts until Thursday at 5 p.m. During that time, northern winds will gust up to around 35 miles per hour.
September and October typically bring the highest wildfire risk due to dry, strong winds and highly arid vegetation. Historically, 12 out of the 20 most destructive wildfires occurred during these two months.
A Red Flag Warning has been issued for the northern, central, & western Sac Valley & surrounding terrain from 11 PM tonight through 5 PM Thursday.
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) September 20, 2023
Gusty northerly winds + low humidity will lead to critical fire weather conditions.
Be sure to practice fire weather safety! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/lA3UhhIbDB