The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Fire Weather Watch for gusty winds and low humidity, which is in effect this afternoon and evening.
Affected areas include Surprise Valley, eastern Lassen County, the northern Sierra Front including Carson City, Douglas, Storey, southern Washoe, Western Lyon, and far southern Lassen counties, west Humboldt Basin in Pershing County and northern Washoe County.
Winds will be southwest at 15 to 25mph with gusts up to 30 and 40mph. Ridgelines could see gusts of 40 to 50 mph.
Humidity will drop to between 8 and 14% for three to six hours.
The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them.
Avoid outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires.
