Warming temps, dry winds elevate heat risks, fire dangers this week

(BCN) — Warm temperatures and gusty winds are expected to dominate the Bay Area’s weather pattern for the next few days, according to the National Weather Service. The wind and warmth will combine for an elevated threat of wildfires in the region on Monday and then again later this week, according to the Weather Service.

Northwest winds between 20 mph and 30 mph will continue Monday, along with gusts of up to 45 mph in coastal areas of the North Bay, the East Bay and in wind-friendly places like the San Bruno Gap, the Altamont Pass and the Salinas Valley.

Meanwhile, offshore winds and a thinning marine lawyer will help a moderate warming, drying trend develop later in the week, with high temperatures expected in the mid-90s for the interior areas of the North Bay and East Bay. These conditions will result in what weather service officials are calling a “moderate heat risk” and increased fire dangers.

“The combination of wind and lower (relative humidity) will lead to elevated fire weather concerns,” according to Weather Service officials. “We had a few smaller grass fires pop up yesterday and see no reason that couldn’t happen again today.”

As an example of potential risks, the Weather Service cited a vegetation fire that burned Sunday evening in an area of Castro Valley that began as a vehicle fire on Interstate Highway 580. Cal Fire, along with crews from the East Bay Regional Park District, were able to hold the blaze to a little more than 18 acres.

Copyright © 2025 Bay City News, Inc.