A major “diablo wind”—notorious in autumn for its hot, dry gusts—is expected to whip up across Northern California on Thursday evening, causing humidity levels to drop and raising the risk of wildfires.
Forecasters have issued red flag warnings for fire danger until Saturday from the central coast through the San Francisco Bay Area and into northern Shasta County, not far from the Oregon border.
Sustained winds reaching 35 mph (56 kph) are expected in many areas, with possible gusts topping 65 mph (104 kph) along mountaintops, according to the National Weather Service.
Dispatches From The Front 