Carson City area weather: Gusty winds, low humidity prompt Red Flag fire weather warning
Gusty winds, low humidity and increasing high temperatures has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Red Flag warning for Monday into Tuesday for the fire areas in the Sierra and Lake Tahoe Basin, the Dixie Fire area to the north and throughout western Nevada including Carson City and Carson Valley.
The warning is from 2 p.m. Monday to 11 p.m. Tuesday. The affected areas are the Northern Sierra Front including Carson City, Douglas, Storey, Southern Washoe, Western Lyon, Washoe County and Surprise Valley, Lassen, Eastern Plumas, Eastern Sierra and Mono counties.
Southwest are expected to be 15 to 20 mph with gusts to around 35 mph. Higher gusts possible in wind prone areas and along exposed terrain, even during the overnight period with humidity between 5 to 10 percent., according to the weather service.
The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them.
Forecasters advise people to avoid outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires, follow local fire restrictions, check with the weather service for updates and to see livingwithfire.info for preparedness tips.
Meanwhile, the weather service advises that wildfire smoke will continue to impact the region. Winds will be west and southwest winds will keep areas of smoke over much of northeast California and western Nevada this week as the Caldor and Dixie fires continue to burn.
Smoke trajectory forecasts for the Caldor Fire continue to show prolonged periods of poor air quality conditions near and south of Highway 50 through at least the first half of the week. The trajectory from Dixie brings the densest smoke to portions of Lassen and Plumas Counties east across northern Washoe County and toward Winnemucca. Improvements are expected in the afternoon and evening for those areas not directly downwind of wildfires.
As air quality variations exist, look for local air quality measurements, forecasts, and safety recommendations at fire.airnow.gov.
Above average temperatures will continue Monday with highs in the low to high 90s for most lower valleys and 80s for valleys in the Sierra. Those who are more vulnerable to heat health impacts should consider limiting strenuous activity during the afternoon hours, along with ensuring sufficient hydration and sun protection.
Check back for updates.