Wildfire — East Bay Interior Valleys, California

2020-06-06 to 2020-06-07 · East Bay Interior Valleys, California

Event narrative

The Willow Fire broke out in Contra Costa County late Saturday afternoon. Like the other wildfires that day, this one was aided in spread by gusty winds https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/06/06/map-seven-fires-amid-high-winds-in-the-bay-area/. Exact end time uncertain.

Wider weather episode

An upper low along with a second shortwave trough moved through the region the first weekend of June. A strong onshore pressure gradient brought gusty winds to much of the area. Observations showed gusts of 40 to 60 mph throughout the Bay Area and Central Coast. These winds fueled multiple grass and vegetation fires throughout the area, some of which prompted evacuations.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 891994. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.