Scorching Temperatures and Thunderstorms Bring Fire Risks to California
The Labor Day weekend’s scorching temperatures in Southern California are expected to continue this week, paired with thunderstorms and lightning strikes that will heighten fire risks across much of the state. A surge of monsoonal moisture from the southwest desert region has moved into the state, bringing lightning across much of California. According to the National Weather Service, monsoon thunderstorms can trigger dust storms, lightning-sparked wildfires, and downpours that result in flooding.
Fire Weather Concerns and Lightning Strikes
Lightning paired with potential wind gusts of up to 50 mph and high temperatures reaching into the triple digits in some areas will significantly raise fire weather concerns through at least Friday. Meteorologists tracked between 50 and 100 lightning strikes per hour across Southern California on Tuesday morning, said Bryan Lewis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. Lewis expressed concern for fire starts due to lightning strikes, stating, “There is definitely concern for fire starts due to lightning strikes. I think lightning and wind are the biggest concerns right now.”
Grass Fire Breakout and Ongoing Wildfires
A grass fire broke out early Tuesday in Stanislaus County, shortly after a lightning storm passed through the region. The cause of the fire, which quickly scorched 300 acres, has not been determined. Crews are also continuing to fight the Garnet fire, a blaze sparked by lightning last week in the Sierra National Forest. The fire has burned more than 24,800 acres as of Tuesday and is 12% contained, according to the Forest Service. Meteorologists predict a 50% chance of thunderstorms directly affecting the Garnet fire, with firefighters reporting lightning strikes in the area around 3 a.m. Tuesday.
Thunderstorms and Flood Watches
Thunderstorms are expected from Sacramento all the way to San Diego County beginning midday Tuesday. In Southern California, the heaviest storms will be focused over the Antelope Valley and the San Gabriel Mountains through Wednesday evening, bringing a 30% to 50% chance of flooding to the area that includes the Bridge fire burn scar. Peak rain rates could range between half an inch to an inch per hour, according to the weather service. A flood watch has been issued for a portion of Central California, including Kern River Valley, Grand Grove, Indian Wells Valley, Kings Canyon National Park, Mojave Desert, Tehachapi, and the south end of the Upper Sierra, through Wednesday evening warning of excessive runoff that could result in rivers, creeks, and streams flooding low-lying areas.
Heat Advisory and Fire Risks
A heat advisory remains in place across much of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties with daytime temperatures reaching into the high 90s. The mercury in Clarita, Woodland Hills, and Palm Springs could rise to over 100 degrees. The combination of heat, lightning, and wind gusts significantly raises fire weather concerns, with the potential for new wildfires and the spread of existing ones. As the situation continues to unfold, residents are advised to stay weather-aware and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
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