Red flag warning issued: High risk for wildfires in northern San Joaquin Valley

The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for the Sacramento Valley starting at 11 a.m. Thursday May 19 until 8 p.m. Friday May 20, 2022.
The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for the Sacramento Valley starting at 11 a.m. Thursday May 19 until 8 p.m. Friday May 20, 2022.

Gusty winds and low humidity will increase the risk of fire danger in the northern San Joaquin Valley, forecasters said on Wednesday.

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for the northern San Joaquin Valley. Additionally, a red flag warning has been issued for the Sacramento Valley and foothills below 2,000 feet.

The red flag warning will be in effect from 11 a.m. Thursday to 8 p.m. Friday.

A red flag warning is issued for weather events which may result in extreme fire behavior that will occur within 24 hours, according to Cal Fire.

Temperatures in Stockton are expected to reach the low 90s on Thursday and the high 80s on Friday.

“This is critical fire weather so use caution outdoors,” Cal Fire said.

Cal Fire also shared safety tips on its website for red flag warning days.

Equipment use safety tips include:

  • Never mow or trim dry grass on a red flag warning day.

  • Never use lawn mowers in dry vegetation.

  • Spark arresters are required in wildland areas on all portable gasoline powered equipment.

Vehicle safety tips include:

  • Never pull over in dry grass.

  • Ensure trailer chains don't drag on the ground.

  • Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained.

  • Have proper tire pressure to avoid driving on wheel rim.

  • Never let your brake pads wear too thin.

Record reporter Hannah Workman covers news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at hworkman@recordnet.com or on Twitter @byhannahworkman . Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at recordnet.com/subscribenow

This article originally appeared on The Record: Red flag warning issued for northern San Joaquin Valley