Looming Thunderstorms, Dry Lightning Pose Wildfire Risk To Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Rising monsoonal moisture is brewing up a storm across the Bay Area over the comings day, potentially bringing dry thunderstorms and the threat of wildfires, weather officials warned Friday.

High pressure is building across the western United States due to a marine heat wave and storms over the Pacific Ocean that are trapping hot air above.

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National Weather Service officials say this pattern is expected to bring high heat to the Bay Area, and the possibility of lightning with little or no rain.

Inland temperatures in the East Bay are expected to reach the low 100s, according to the National Weather Service.

This combination of hot air and no rain can produce dry lightning, increasing the risk of wildfire as vegetation across the region dries out.

"Fire weather concerns further increase late this weekend into early next week as a surge of monsoonal moisture from the Gulf of California brings the potential for high-based convection to the region," weather service officials said. "If thunderstorms are able to develop, dry lightning and gusty, erratic outflow winds would be the main hazards."

Although this is considered low probability scenario, weather officials say they're monitoring the situation closely as the impacts could be high.

Dry lightning caused several wildfires across the Bay Area in 2020. Countless structures were destroyed, and dozens of people were killed as more than 3.2 million acres burned across the region.

Coastal cities, meanwhile, can expect to see weather in the 60s and 70s in the coming days.

A coastal advisory is currently in effect through July 16 as a long-period southwesterly swell creates increased risk of sneaker waves and strong rip currents, as well as breaking waves up to 10 feet, weather officials said.

"Sneaker waves can sweep across the shoreline without warning, pulling people into the sea from rocks, jetties and beaches," according to the National Weather Service. "Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion can be expected."