Red flag warning issued for California’s Central Valley as winds raise fire risk
The National Weather Service on Friday upgraded its fire weather watch to a red flag warning for most of Northern and Central California, citing heightened risk of wildfires across the Sacramento Valley, Delta and surrounding regions due to gusty winds and low humidity.
The warning will be in effect from 11 a.m. Saturday through 9 a.m. Sunday. It replaces a previously issued fire weather watch.
Forecasters expect north winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts reaching 40 mph across the Valley and Delta, with the strongest winds likely along and west of Interstate 5 and in the northern San Joaquin Valley.
Minimum daytime humidity is forecast between 15% and 25%, with overnight recoveries ranging from the mid-40s to mid-50s. The areas of highest concern include fire zones 215 through 219, 263 and 279 — encompassing much of the Sacramento Valley and nearby foothill regions.
“The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity,” the National Weather Service’s Sacramento office said Friday in its bulletin.
The red flag warning reflects a shift in wind patterns from southwesterly breezes to stronger, dry northerly winds — a setup that has historically contributed to dangerous fire conditions in the region.
So far this year, California has recorded 2,678 wildfires that have burned 89,431 acres, caused 30 fatalities and destroyed 16,276 structures, according to Cal Fire. Most of the damage occurred during the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles County in January.
In the capital region, firefighters have 75% containment on the Bonanza Fire, which sparked Tuesday in El Dorado County. It has burned 181 acres.
Meanwhile, crews continue to strengthen lines around the Rancho Fire in Shasta County, which ignited Thursday near Cottonwood. It has burned 157 acres with 40% containment as of Friday morning, Cal Fire said.
PG&E power shutoffs expand
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has expanded public safety power shutoffs to prevent equipment from sparking fires during the weekend. As of noon Friday, the utility reported shutoffs affecting more than 7,300 customers across 12 counties, including San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Shasta.
San Joaquin County alone had 889 customers without power, many in areas previously affected by wildfires. The Tracy and Mountain House communities remain both under the red flag warning and within PG&E’s shutoff zones.
Other affected counties include Alameda, Contra Costa, Merced, Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tehama and Trinity.
The utility warned that wind gusts could exceed 50 mph in coastal gaps and 40-45 mph in parts of the Sacramento and Salinas valleys. Combined with critically dry vegetation and low humidity, these conditions have prompted concern for new fire starts.
Weekend forecast: windy and dry
Weather across Northern California will remain sunny and dry through the weekend, with temperatures gradually warming and winds expected to intensify — particularly in areas under red flag conditions.
In Sacramento, afternoon highs will hover near 80 degrees Saturday before climbing to the mid-80s on Sunday. Winds will shift from the southwest to north-northwest overnight Friday into Saturday, with gusts up to 23 mph expected both nights.
In Redding, a high of 80 is forecast Saturday, followed by an increase to 87 on Sunday. North to northwest winds could gust up to 30 mph Friday night, easing slightly but remaining breezy through Sunday.
In Paradise, temperatures will stay in the low 70s Saturday, then climb to the upper 70s Sunday. North and west winds will remain steady, with gusts reaching 21 mph through Saturday night.
Forecasters warn that continued low humidity and gusty winds through Sunday could spark new fires or intensify any active burns. Outdoor burning remains prohibited in state responsibility areas, and residents are urged to avoid equipment or activities that could ignite dry vegetation.
This story was originally published June 20, 2025 at 12:42 PM.
