September 9, 2020 – Critical fire weather concerns continue through today with gusty north to east winds and low humidity. Winds will generally decrease later this morning for the mountains and foothills. Smoke and haze from wildfires will continue to impact air quality and temperatures.
Discussion
Gusty winds continue this morning over the ridgetops with Jarbo Gap reporting a 59 mph wind gust. The Bear wildfire continues to spread and earlier embers flew about 10 miles ahead of the main portion of the wildfire and started another fire just north of Collins Lake. Most winds will be decreasing in the mountains and foothills later this morning but unfortunately the winds look to stay up a bit longer right around the Bear wildfire so will extend the wind advisory for that area until 9 am and let the other areas expire at 6 am.
Smoke will continue to cause problems with the daily high forecast but in general the downward trend towards seasonal normals will continue as well as the overnight lows continuing to get a little cooler each night as well the next couple of days before leveling out for Friday and Saturday.
Extended Discussion (Sunday through Wednesday)
No major changes to the extended forecast. Upper ridge over the area shifts into the Great Basin Sunday as short wave trough in the Eastern Pacific approaches. The trough moves through early next week resulting in increased onshore flow and cooling. High temperatures will be near normal on Sunday cooling to slightly below normal Monday through Wednesday.