The National Weather Service in San Francisco has issued a warning for elevated to near-critical fire weather conditions across the region today. They emphasized an increased risk for rapidly spreading grass fires in the interior East Bay, the eastern Santa Clara Hills, and the Gabilan Range within interior Monterey and San Benito Counties. These conditions are fueled by wind gusts reaching 25 to 45 mph and low afternoon humidities of 15 to 30 percent. Residents are urged to exercise caution, securely fasten tow chains, properly extinguish cigarette butts, and avoid using equipment that could generate sparks.
Similarly, hazardous conditions have arisen for mariners, with severe gale-force conditions leading to gusts up to 50 knots and turbulent seas ranging from 10 to 13 feet. The NWS advises those on the water to stay in port, seek shelter, or adjust their courses and speed accordingly to mitigate the risks posed by these conditions. The information provided by NWS San Francisco emphasizes the urgency for land and sea residents to remain vigilant.
Furthermore, the NWS issued its Area Forecast Discussion early this morning, outlining the continuation of elevated fire weather concerns through Sunday morning. While gusty winds are expected to diminish gradually, the alert remains due to the ongoing onshore flow and moderate to poor relative humidity (RH) recovery projected for the next few days. Interior locations and areas elevated above the marine layer are particularly at risk, with gusty winds "peaking around 35 to 45 mph, perhaps locally higher at exposed elevations and wind prone gaps," as mentioned by NWS San Francisco.
