Bay Area to see moderate fire danger concerns this weekend

MONTEREY – Gusty winds and dry conditions are expected to boost fire danger concerns across the Bay Area this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

In a briefing, forecasters said gusty winds will develop Friday night and continue through early Monday as a trough approaches the western United States. They will bring in drier air from the north.

“These dry and windy conditions, while not expected to reach critical levels, will increase fire danger concerns, particularly in open grasses,” the weather service said.

Forecasters said fire danger concerns will be moderate Saturday and Sunday in the North Bay, East Bay, South Bay, Santa Cruz County, Monterey County and San Benito County.

Wind gusts of 20-30 mph are expected in those areas, but they could top 50 mph near the coast and the Mayacamas Mountains in the North Bay, passes and gaps in the East Bay, and in the Salinas Valley in Monterey County.

Fire danger concerns will be minor on the Peninsula during the same time period, according to the weather service.

Check back for updates.