Red flag warning to take effect as dry lightning storms head over Northern California

A red flag warning was issued this weekend for the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada as dry lightning storms are expected across Northern California.

The warning, issued by the National Weather Service, will go into effect between 5 p.m. Sunday and 11 a.m. Monday and covers the eastern Sierra from the Oregon state line down into Central California, as well as parts of the Bay Area and San Joaquin Valley. Stockton, South Lake Tahoe and Reno are included in the red flag warning.

The red flag warning was prompted by expected lightning strikes in Northern California, which will have little to no rain accompanying them amid already dry conditions.

“Best thunderstorm potential will be over the northern San Joaquin Valley and the northern Sierra south of Lake Tahoe,” officials said in the red flag warning. “Given critically dry fuels, any lightning strikes will result in high probability of ignition.”

The remaining portions of the Sacramento Valley will be under a fire weather watch starting Sunday at 5 p.m. through Monday at 5 p.m.

“Rapid spread of fire possible depending on terrain and local wind conditions,” weather service officials said in the fire weather watch.

Several wildfires are already burning in Northern California, including many sparked by lightning.

This story was originally published July 17, 2021 at 12:31 PM.