California

Thunder Storms, Powerful Winds Increase SoCal Fire Threat

State firefighters are adding additional staff.

California braces for powerful winds, wildfire danger

Potentially powerful winds combined with dry weather are raising the threat of wildfires in California.

State firefighters say they are preparing for "potential extreme fire weather" this weekend and into early next week.

The National Weather Service has issued warnings for increased fire risk across a swath of northern California on Sunday and Monday.

In Southern California, the expected shift comes after the region was lashed by thunderstorms and rain on Friday and Saturday.

NBC4 meteorologist David Biggar said Saturday that increased fire risk in Southern California will run Sunday into Tuesday, with some of the strongest winds expected for Monday morning.

Wind gusts in the mountains could reach 60 mph, and up to 50 mph in valleys and coastal areas.

Meanwhile, the humidity could dip as low as 5 percent.

State firefighters are adding additional staff.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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