Diablo Winds Threaten Northern California with High Fire Risk
A powerful “diablo wind” is expected to sweep across Northern California on Thursday evening, bringing with it dangerously low humidity levels and an increased risk of wildfires, The Associated Press reports.
Forecasters have issued red flag warnings for fire danger from the central coast through the San Francisco Bay Area and into northern Shasta County, lasting until Saturday. The National Weather Service predicts sustained winds reaching 35 mph, with gusts potentially exceeding 65 mph along mountaintops.
The diablo wind, a common autumn phenomenon, is characterized by hot, dry air that blows towards the coast from the interior. This exceptionally dry air drastically lowers humidity levels, drying out vegetation and making it highly susceptible to ignition.
In preparation for the strong winds, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) announced plans to implement targeted power outages for a small number of customers. This measure aims to prevent potential damage to electrical equipment and minimize the risk of sparks igniting wildfires.
Similar power shutoffs are also being considered for Southern California, where another notorious weather phenomenon, the Santa Ana winds, are expected to arrive on Friday and Saturday. While the winds in Southern California are anticipated to be less powerful, with gusts reaching 25 to 40 mph in mountains and foothills, the risk of wildfires remains a concern.
Meanwhile, the Sierra Nevada is bracing for a different kind of weather event. The National Weather Service in Reno, Nevada, has issued a snow forecast for the mountaintops around Lake Tahoe, predicting up to 2 inches of snowfall by Friday morning. Winds around Lake Tahoe could gust up to 70 mph.
The service has also issued its first freeze warning of the season along the Sierra’s eastern front, effective from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. Friday. Temperatures in this region could dip into the low 20s Fahrenheit, prompting concerns for potential damage to crops and infrastructure.
