Update: Red Flag Warning For The Central Valley

New Hogan Estates above La Contenta Photo by Calaveras Consolidated Firefighters, "This is why defensible space is so essential around your homes...it makes a difference for firefighters."

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Northern San Joaquin Valley (which includes elevations below 1,000 feet in both Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties) through 8 PM this evening (Tuesday).

Expect gusty winds and low humidity.

Northerly winds ranging from fifteen to twenty-five mph are forecast, with gusts up to thirty mph.

The strongest wind is expected this morning through early this afternoon.

Minimum humidities of five to eighteen percent are forecast, with overnight recoveries ranging from thirty to fifty-five percent.

Any fires that do develop will likely spread rapidly.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.