A Red Flag Warning (also known as a Fire Weather Warning) has been issued through Wednesday 11 PM for the Mother Lode from 1000 through 3000 feet and the Stanislaus National Forest.
According to the National Weather Service, thunderstorms will begin along the Sierra on Monday and become more widespread and continue into at least Wednesday. Some storms may also extend into the central valley.
Gusty winds and lightning are possible through the period. Thunderstorms may initially be dry but should become wetter with time. Stronger storms may produce abundant lightning and small hail.
Locally gusty winds over 40 to 50 mph are possible.
Lightning strikes may create new fire starts. Locally gusty and erratic winds from the thunderstorms may cause fires which develop to spread rapidly.
The low pressure system will remain over northern California through Thursday.
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now… or will shortly.
Written by Mark Truppner.
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