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California Braces for Powerful Winds, Wildfire Danger

by Associated Press

   LOS ANGELES --

   Potentially powerful winds combined with dry weather are raising the
   threat of wildfires in California.

   State firefighters said Saturday that they were preparing for
   "potential extreme fire weather'' this weekend and into early next
   week.

   The National Weather Service issued warnings for increased fire risk
   across a swath of Northern California on Sunday and Monday.

   In Southern California, the expected shift comes after the region was
   lashed by thunderstorms and rain on Friday and Saturday.

   Weather Service meteorologist Keily Delerme said Saturday that
   increased fire risk in Southern California would run late Sunday into
   Tuesday.

   Wind gusts in the mountains could reach 60 mph, and up to 50 mph in
   valleys and coastal areas.

   Meanwhile, the humidity could dip as low as 5 percent.

   State firefighters were adding staff.