60 MPH Wind Gusts As Red Flag Warning Issued Alongside Frost Advisory

SAN FRANCISCO — Much of the Bay Area will navigate dueling weather hazards this weekend as temperatures tumble overnight and gusty winds fan fire concerns.

A frost advisory will be in place overnight and into Saturday morning for the North Bay valleys, where forecasters warn temperatures could dip into the lower 30s, presenting dangers for people who are unsheltered or lack access to adequate heating.

Even in communities outside of the advisory zone, residents can expect to feel an evening chill in the air this weekend. Forecasters noted it was already noticeably cooler around the region by Friday morning, dipping to 48 degrees in downtown San Francisco and nearly breaking a daily temperature record. Saturday morning is expected to be even colder.

In addition to the cold, forecasters are closely monitoring "near-critical" fire weather developing through the weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning to take effect late Saturday afternoon as wind gusts kick up and humidity drops into the teens.

"North-northeast winds are expected to develop early Saturday morning across the ridges of the North Bay, East Bay, and the Santa Cruz Mountains," the warning reads in part. "Dry, offshore winds will peak late Saturday into Sunday morning, which will result in elevated fire weather concerns. During the overnight hours, offshore winds could mix down into the interior valleys of the North Bay and East Bay. Gusts of 30 to 40 mph will be possible with locally higher gusts up to 50 to 60 mph across ridgetops and higher peaks."

A wind advisory covering the North Bay Interior Mountains, Marin Coastal Range, East Bay Hills, Santa Clara Hills and Santa Cruz Mountains will be in place from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon.

The National Weather Service shared a few reminders to help prevent starting fires that could rapidly spread:

• Properly dispose of cigarettes and matches.
• Do not use a lawn mower on weeds or dry grass.
• Avoid using equipment that creates sparks.
• Make sure campfires are completely put out.
• Make sure no vehicle parts drag on the ground, including towing
• chains.
• Obey burn bans & only burn with a permit.

Looking ahead in the forecast, models favor a warm and dry pattern lingering for the early part of next week, with chances for a few showers increasing late in the week.