**Red Flag Warning Issued for East Bay Hills and North Bay Mountains as Strong Winds Raise Fire Danger**
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of the Bay Area, including the East Bay Hills and North Bay Interior Mountains, as dangerous fire weather conditions are expected late Wednesday night through Thursday morning.
Forecasters say the warning will be in effect from 11 p.m. Wednesday until 9 a.m. Thursday. During that time, humidity levels are expected to drop to between 10% and 20%, creating extremely dry conditions that can help fires ignite and spread quickly.
Strong offshore winds are also expected, with gusts reaching 35 to 40 mph in many areas. Ridge tops could see gusts exceeding 60 mph, increasing the risk of rapid fire growth if a fire starts.
The National Weather Service warns that any new fire ignition could exhibit extreme fire behavior and spread rapidly under these conditions. Residents are urged to avoid activities that could produce sparks, including using equipment that generates heat or flames outdoors.
Areas under the warning include the hills surrounding the East Bay, including portions of Contra Costa and Alameda counties, as well as mountainous areas of Napa, Sonoma, and surrounding North Bay counties.
The warning comes as Northern California enters a period of warm, dry weather, with vegetation becoming increasingly susceptible to fire. Fire agencies are encouraging residents to remain vigilant and report any signs of smoke or fire immediately.