LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Hot conditions combined with the potential for thunderstorms on Wednesday afternoon have led to a red flag warning for Lake County and a planned flex alert from the state.
The National Weather Service issued the red flag warning for parts of California, including Lake County, through 11 p.m. Wednesday.
A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly due to a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures that can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
Forecasters said mid level moisture and a hot unstable atmosphere will aid in scattered thunderstorm development this afternoon and evening as an upper level disturbance moves across the region.
“Abundant lightning combined with little if any rainfall will increase the threat for fire starts across dry vegetation. In addition, gusty erratic thunderstorm winds will create dangerous fire weather
conditions for ongoing fires,” the forecast noted.
In Lake County, the forecast predicts scattered showers and thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon with light winds.
Shifting into Wednesday evening, there is a prediction for widespread haze, with conditions clearing into Thursday, when daytime temperatures will remain in the high 90s.
At the same time, due to the hot temperatures, the California Independent System Operator, or Cal ISO, is requesting Californians voluntarily conserve electricity on Wednesday afternoon and evening due to the stress placed on the state’s energy grid due to higher demand and tighter energy supply.
The voluntary flex alert will be in effect from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday.
Cal ISO is predicting an increase in electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use, and is asking for a reduction in electricity usage to avoid emergency measures such as rotating power outages.
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. is urging Californians to precool their workspaces, set thermostats and at 78 degrees or higher, health permitting; close shades and curtains; not use major appliances during the flex alert; and turn off all unnecessary lights.
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