Red Flag Warning

A red flag warning has been issued for Monterey County due to a low pressure system that will bring the possibility of dry lightning to the area.

Be alert, vigilant, and watchful for any down strikes and smoke. Resources are stretched extremely thin and the Rocky Fire is still raging to our north. Fortunately, at least up here, winds are nil and humidity is 57%.

Todays SLO weather forecast says: “An area of low pressure off the California coast will gradually move eastward across the Central Coast tonight into Friday. This system will bring increasing clouds and a chance
for scattered sprinkles throughout the Central Coast. A possibility of thunderstorms could develop in northern San Luis Obispo County. This system will also produce a chance for dry lightning which will bring increasing fire concerns tonight into Friday.”
“A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Dry thunderstorms are expected to develop over Monterey and San Benito counties late this morning and spreading northward. The thunderstorm threat is expected to become more widespread this afternoon and lasting into the evening and overnight hours.

The warning is for, among other areas, the southern Salinas Valley, Arroyo Seco, Lake San Antonio, Santa Lucia Mountains, Los Padres National Forest, mountains of San Benito and interior Monterey County including Pinnacles National Park, northern Salinas Valley, Hollister valley, Carmel Valley, northern Monterey Bay, southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast.”