NWS Warns of Critical Fire Weather for California’s Zone 228 and Mojave Preserve
Forecast southwest winds of 20–25 mph, 5–15% humidity, plus a risk of dry lightning could allow small ignitions to spread rapidly and strain local firefighting capacity.
Overview
- The National Weather Service in Las Vegas issued a Red Flag Warning for California’s Fire Weather Zone 228 and maintained a Fire Weather Watch for the Mojave Preserve for the upcoming Friday–Saturday period.
- Forecasters expect southwest winds of 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph together with very low relative humidity in the 5 to 15 percent range.
- Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are possible with little rainfall, meaning lightning could start fires without providing moisture to slow spread.
- Officials warn that any new fires could grow quickly so outdoor burning is discouraged and residents should avoid spark-producing activities and follow local agency guidance.
- This advisory follows a string of recent Red Flag products across the western U.S. and signals the possibility that watches may be upgraded to additional Red Flag Warnings if the forecast verifies.