50 MPH Winds Possible In East Bay: Fire Weather Watch

EAST BAY, CA — A fire weather watch was issued across much of the Bay Area, and officials were most concerned about the possibility of fire spreading in the East Bay valleys and hills.

The North Bay mountains were also 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.