A Red Flag Warning will be in effect for our area beginning at 2:00p.m., today, followed by a Fire Weather Watch overnight as forecasters at the Reno office of the National Weather Service expect gusty winds, low humidity and the possibility of dry lightning tonight.
The Red Flag Warning was issued for eastern Lassen County and northern Washoe County and forecasters expect southwest to west winds at 15 to 25mph with gusts up to 35 mph, locally higher in wind prone locations.
The humidity will drop to between 8 and 14% with only poor to moderate humidity recoveries tonight.
The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them.
Isolated to scattered thunderstorms will be possible this evening through early Tuesday morning. Any storms that form will be moving at greater than 20mph, increasing the potential for dry lightning strikes.
Lightning with little to no rainfall can create new fire starts and may combine with outflow winds to cause a fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity. Fires may go undetected through the overnight hours.
Avoid outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires. Follow local fire restrictions.
