Fire Weather Watch Issued For The Mother Lode

The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for thunderstorms, which is in effect from Monday morning through Wednesday evening.

Affected area: The Mother Lode from 1000 through 3000 feet and the Stanislaus National Forest.

Thunderstorms: Isolated storms may develop along the Sierra crest Saturday afternoon and evening. The actual threat of thunderstorms in the Mother Lode will begin on Sunday afternoon. The thunderstorms are expected to be generally wet but lightning strikes may extend outside of rain areas.

Outflow winds: Locally gusty to 40 mph near any thunderstorms which form.

Impacts: Lightning strikes may create new fire starts. Locally gusty and erratic winds from additional storms may cause fires which develop to spread rapidly.

The rain possibilities range from sprinkles to local downpours and even possible minor flooding, mainly in the higher elevations.

The potential for thunderstorms also could extend into the central valley.