### Adverse Weather Events Hit California and the Tropics

Severe weather conditions have gripped California and regions in the tropics, posing significant challenges and dangers to the affected areas.

In California, more than 15 million residents are under fire weather alerts due to extremely dry and windy conditions. These alerts cover major cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento. The forecast predicts relative humidity levels dropping as low as 5% in certain locations, alongside wind gusts reaching up to 55 mph. Such conditions, combined with dry soils and vegetation, significantly increase the risk of wildfires. As a result, California Fire has boosted staffing levels statewide to handle the heightened fire threats during the Red Flag Warnings, which extend through Saturday afternoon.

Currently, multiple fires have ignited across various parts of the state. The Keller fire, burning near Oakland, has consumed 15 acres in Alameda County and affected two homes, with many more at risk. The fire is currently 35% contained, according to the latest incident report, and has triggered evacuation orders and warnings. Meanwhile, the Mission Fire near Riverside has burned 17 acres and is 40% contained, with forward progress halted. Another significant blaze, the Hay Fire, located between San Francisco and Sacramento, has scorched 869 acres in Solano County near Travis Air Force Base and is 70% contained.

In the tropics, Tropical Storm Nadine made landfall near Belize City, Belize, at noon ET with sustained winds of 60 mph. The storm is expected to bring up to a foot of rain in mountainous regions of inland Belize and parts of southern Mexico over the coming days. Nadine is projected to weaken significantly as it moves inland and is expected to dissipate by late Sunday over southern Mexico. Tropical Storm Warnings are active from Belize City to Cancun, including Cozumel. Widespread rainfall amounts of 4 to 8 inches are anticipated, with isolated regions possibly receiving over 12 inches through Tuesday. Coastal flooding is also a potential threat in areas experiencing onshore winds.

Simultaneously, Hurricane Oscar has rapidly intensified near Turks and Caicos, now boasting winds of 80 mph. Merely three hours after being designated a Tropical Storm, Oscar was upgraded to a hurricane, with hurricane hunter aircraft noting its small size. A 24-hour window remains for further strengthening before adverse conditions inhibit its progression. Hurricane Warnings are in place for Turks and Caicos, the southern Bahamas, and parts of Cuba, with expected rainfall amounts ranging from 2 to 6 inches from the Turks and Caicos islands to Cuba.