CALIFORNIA, US - A shift to hotter, drier weather is raising wildfire concerns across much of California this week, with temperatures climbing well above seasonal averages and fire weather conditions expected to peak through Thursday.

According to The New York Times, inland areas of Southern California could reach highs of 110°F, while much of the Central Valley, San Francisco Bay Area and coastal mountain regions face elevated wildfire risk as dry vegetation combines with low humidity and gusty winds. The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories and red flag warnings for parts of the state, where wind gusts up to 55 mph could rapidly spread any new fires.

Despite a relatively quiet wildfire season so far, fire officials say activity has increased in recent days following the return of hotter weather. Pacific Gas & Electric also warned it may implement targeted power shutoffs affecting about 8,000 customers across 10 counties to reduce the risk of wildfire ignitions.

Conditions are expected to improve heading into Friday as cooler temperatures and coastal fog return, helping reduce fire danger.

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