The National Weather Service in Sacramento has issued a Fire Weather Watch for gusty winds and low humidity, which is in effect from Thursday morning, Oct. 17 through Saturday evening, Oct. 19.

The affected area includes Northern San Joaquin Valley communities in San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties below 1000 feet.

“More than likely there will be burn restrictions those days,” Escalon Consolidated Fire Protection District Chief Rick Mello said. “This is more about wind than heat and even though it’s October, summer hasn’t let go quite yet.”

There are cooler temperatures in the forecast, making it feel more like fall, but Mello said the region is very dry and the winds will lead to the possibility of ‘fire weather’ around the region.

National Weather Service forecasters are calling for northerly to easterly winds 15 to 25 mph, with gusts of 30 to 40 mph during the fire weather watch period. Strongest winds are expected on Friday, Oct. 18.

Minimum daytime relative humidity of 10 to 25 percent is expected, said forecasters, with the lowest expected on Friday and Saturday. Overnight maximum relative humidity of 25 to 45 percent is forecast.

The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause new fire starts and ongoing wildfires to rapidly grow in size and intensity. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur.