Update: Fire Weather Watch Issued For The Mother Lode
The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for the Mother Lode, the Stanislaus National Forest and the northern San Joaquin Valley from late tonight through Tuesday morning.
Remnant moisture from decaying hurricane Geneviev will spread northward over northern California late tonight and Sunday. This will lead to the increasing potential for isolated to scattered dry thunderstorms over much of Northern California. Lightning from dry thunderstorms will have the potential to start new fires. The dry sub-cloud layer may lead to gusty downdraft winds from thunderstorms.
The potential for isolated to scattered dry thunderstorms will increase late tonight and Sunday, and will continue on Monday. The potential for dry thunderstorms may linger into Tuesday.
Any new fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
Meanwhile, an Air Quality Alert has been issued for both Tuolumne County and Mariposa County, as well as San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare Counties and the Central Valley portion of Kern County.
The Air Quality Alert will remain in effect until most of the numerous regional fires are extinguished.
Exposure to particle pollution can cause serious health problems, aggravate lung disease, cause asthma attacks and acute bronchitis,
and increase risk of respiratory infections. Residents are advised to use caution as conditions warrant. People with heart or lung diseases should follow their doctor`s advice for dealing with episodes of unhealthy air quality.
Additionally, older adults and children should avoid prolonged exposure, strenuous activities or heavy exertion, as conditions dictate.
For additional information, call your local Air District office. In Tuolumne County, the phone number is 209-533-5693. In Mariposa, the phone number is 209-966-2220. In Modesto, the phone number is 209-557-6400. Fresno, 559-230-6000. Bakersfield, 661-381-1809.
