CHICO — The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning Friday for areas of Northern California including Butte County thanks to strong wind gusts and low relative humidity.
Jeffery Wood, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Sacramento office, said the warning will go into effect at 5 a.m. Saturday and will continue until 5 p.m. Sunday. The weekend is expected to see windy conditions throughout Butte County, especially in the foothill areas in the eastern part of the county.
“The low relative humidity will not see much recovery overnight,” Wood said. “Typically, the humidity would get higher overnight but during the red flag warning, we’re forecasting only 30-40% recovery.”
Red flag warnings are issued by the National Weather Service when certain weather conditions combine to create a higher risk of wildfires. Wood said the lack of humidity as well as humidity recovery partnered with the northerly winds and gusts up to 50 miles per hour can add considerable risk to the current fire season.
“The red flag warning means that fires can start easier and there will be an easier spread of fire,” Wood said. “Rapid spread can happen.”
Wood said residents should take precautions to avoid accidentally starting a fire that can quickly spread. They can do so by not using tools like lawnmowers on or near dry weeds or grass. Additionally, residents should properly put out and dispose of cigarettes and matches. People should also avoid using other forms of power equipment that can create sparks.
When traveling in a vehicle, residents should make sure parts and chains are not dragging along the roadway as this can cause sparks that can fly into nearby dry fields.
