High Wind Alert - Use Fire Cautiously

The National Weather Service has issued its first high wind alert of the season. High winds of up to 50 mph are expected from 6 p.m. Tuesday through 6 p.m. Wednesday, with the highest gusts from 1 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Here is the text of the alert:

The National Weather Service has issued a warning that strong winds will develop tonight with gusts in excess of 50 MPH. Winds will begin to decrease by Wednesday afternoon, but temperatures will remain hot with very dry relative humidity values.

The affected area includes all locations in the East Bay hills above 1,000 feet in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, including Mt. Diablo State Park.

The strongest winds are expected from 1 AM Wednesday to 10 AM Wednesday.

The combination of record dry fuels, near record warmth, and strong dry offshore winds will increase the probability of new fire ignitions.

Residents are urged to use extra caution with any outdoor fires or burning.