50 MPH Winds Possible Near South Bay: Fire Weather Watch

SOUTH BAY, CA — A fire weather watch was issued across much of the Bay Area, including the eastern edge of Santa Clara County.

The North Bay mountains and East Bay valleys and hills were identified as areas of highest concern, according to the National Weather Service.

Officials are eyeing the forecast from 11 a.m. Monday through 5 p.m. Tuesday. They believed any wildfires that spark could have a moderate to fast growth rate amid unusually dry and gusty conditions.

Officials forecast wind gusts up to 30 to 40 mph. Some areas could see wind speeds greater than 50 mph. By comparison, winds are considered to be hurricane-force if they are sustained at 74 mph.

For now, Bay Area residents can expect unseasonably cool conditions with the possibility of rain late Friday and early Saturday.