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Heat, dry conditions put fire crews on alert

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Elevated temperatures coupled with extremely dry conditions has wildland fire crews fully staffed and on alert, Cal Fire Capt. Mike Mohler said.

A lingering high-pressure system and weak offshore flow are pushing temperatures up countywide and are expected to peak on Monday.

“This is our hottest time of year,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Joe Dandrea. “We get these heat episodes quite a bit.”

Though temperature records are not forecast to be set over the next couple days, Dandrea said that Monday will be the hottest day with near-record temperatures likely, adding Tuesday “will still be quite warm.”

Expect 97 to 102 degrees in the inland valleys and low-to mid-80s along the coast, Dandrea said.

The meteorologist said very dry fuels combined with windy conditions are presenting “an elevated wildfire danger in the backcountry.”

Cal Fire Capt. Mike Mohler agreed. Mohler said prevailing weather conditions are such that a red flag warning, issued by the National Weather Service whenever high temperatures, low humidity and an offshore flow combine to create extreme fire danger, is possible through Wednesday.

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