Stockton and other parts of the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys are at extreme risk for fire weather conditions today, according to the National Weather Service.
Officials issued a red flag warning Sunday morning, and it will remain in effect until 8 p.m. Monday. The alert indicates “critical fire weather conditions,” with strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures. The combination of factors means a higher risk of fires.
North winds are expected to reach between 15 and 25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph. The strongest winds are expected across the central Sacramento Valley, along and west of Interstate 5, according to officials.
Humidity levels are expected to dip between 15% and 25%. The weather service considers levels less than 30% humidity to be low.
All of Stockton is affected by the warning, NWS meteorologist Katrina Hand confirmed Monday morning.
“Gusty, northerly winds are combining with low relative humidity and dry fuels to create the critical fire weather conditions across the Valley today,” Hand said.
The breeziest and driest conditions are expected to peak in the afternoon hours, especially between 2 and 6 p.m.
Monday’s temperatures in Stockton are expected to reach a high near 90 degrees, forecasters said.
By Monday evening, temperatures will cool off a bit, with a forecast low of 58 degrees. Windy conditions, however, are expected to persist, with gusts as strong as 22 mph.
And the heat isn’t expected to go far. There is a chance every day this week for high temperatures to exceed 90 degrees.
Elevated fire weather conditions will continue Tuesday through Thursday, with periodically breezy winds and continued dry conditions, forecasters said.
“Forecasters will be evaluating the need of any additional products as the week progresses,” Hand said.
What is a red flag warning?
The National Weather Service issues a fire weather watch or red flag warning when the combination of dry fuels and weather conditions support extreme fire danger.
These alerts are intended for land and fire managers to highlight the increased fire danger. Each NWS office creates local criteria for fire weather watches and red flag warnings, according to the weather service.
A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.