Extreme Risk Of Wildfires Prompts 'Red Flag Warning'

NORTH BAY, CA – A red flag warning is in effect for the North Bay mountains until 6 p.m. today because of hot, dry weather and gusty winds expected in the area, National Weather Service officials said.

The warning is an alert to the potential for extreme wildfires and is in effect until 6 p.m. for all elevations above 1,000 feet.

Sustained northeast winds of about 38 mph are expected through this morning over Napa and eastern Sonoma counties, the areas of greatest concern, according to weather officials. Winds may gust up to 55 mph.

The winds will follow and precede warm to hot daytime temperatures and the nighttime humidity won't restore moisture to areas that dry out during the day.

Any fires that begin will likely spread rapidly, weather officials said.

Winds will generally be lighter after today.

• Also see: Heat Advisory Issued For North Bay for Sunday, Monday

--Bay City News/Images via NWS