Fire weather expected for Modesto. Here’s when critical conditions are in the forecast
Fires can start and spread rapidly in the Modesto area Thursday through Saturday, the National Weather Service warned.
Critical fire weather conditions, including gusty winds and low humidity, will create the risk over the three-day period, forecasters said.
Gusty winds Thursday and Friday also may cause power outages, topple trees or bring down limbs, and knock over unsecured items. The Northern San Joaquin Valley faces an 80% to 95% chance of wind gusts greater than 25 mph over the two days, forecasters said. Gusts in Modesto are expected to blow 30 to 35 mph, with the strongest winds Thursday night and Friday morning.
Lighter winds are forecast for Saturday, but relative humidity will remain in the single digits. Drying fuels will also contribute to the fire weather, forecasters said. Modesto has recorded about 10 inches of rain since July 2021, per the Modesto Irrigation District, which is below the season rainfall average of 12 inches.
Fire weather poses a greater concern in the wildland-urban interface areas of Stanislaus County, said Modesto Fire Deputy Chief Darin Jesberg. He did not identify any ignition sources that may be more likely, but recommended general fire safety during the weather conditions.
“If you’re grilling outdoors, make sure you grill in approved grilling containers away from dry fuels,” Jesberg said. “Dispose of smoking materials properly and don’t have outside fires in unapproved fire pits.”
On May 2, a 53-acre vegetation fire in Modesto’s airport area likely began as a cooking fire lighted in an encampment along the Tuolumne River, a fire official said.
The weather service warns people not to use lawn mowers on dry grass and weeds, and not to drive into tall grass. A fire May 11 at the Turlock Lake State Recreation Area east of Waterford burned about 55 acres. Investigators reported finding some metal on the ground beside Lake Road, suggesting it may have been a vehicle.
Modesto residents can also expect above normal temperatures into the weekend, as well as moderate heat risk Wednesday and Sunday through early next week. Daytime highs on Wednesday were predicted to reach 94 degrees, followed by a high near 93 Saturday.
Highs on Sunday and and Monday may respectively hit 97 and 99 degrees, per the online seven-day forecast. Pets, livestock and people sensitive to heat will face moderate risk for heat-related illnesses, forecasters said.
