Increased Fire Risk Prompts Weather Watch

A fire weather watch goes into effect starting late Monday night for the North Bay mountains, National Weather Service officials said.

The watch, which means conditions will exist for the rapid spread of fires, will last through Wednesday morning, NWS officials said.

Forecasters expect north winds of 12 to 25 mph with gusts of 35 mph and falling relative humidity during the watch period to elevate fire danger in the mountains, according to NWS officials.

Any fires that start will likely spread rapidly and people are being encouraged to avoid outdoor burning, NWS officials said.

Forecasters suggest watching for red flag warnings, which are issued when weather conditions can cause the most extreme fire behavior.

--Bay City News Service