{"id":321245,"date":"2026-05-18T14:33:17","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T14:33:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/321245\/"},"modified":"2026-05-18T14:33:17","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T14:33:17","slug":"what-caused-the-gusty-winds-over-the-weekend-in-fresno","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/321245\/","title":{"rendered":"What caused the gusty winds over the weekend in Fresno?"},"content":{"rendered":"

A wind event sweeping across the Fresno region raised wildfire concerns and created hazardous conditions, though officials report no major damage or widespread outages.<\/p>\n

Meteorologist Alex Cooke said a low-pressure system moving south along the Nevada border intensified winds across the region, funneling dry northwest air directly through the central San Joaquin Valley of California.<\/p>\n

Despite blowing dust observed in some areas, weather officials reported no major dust storms, downed trees or wind-driven power outages affecting large populations.<\/p>\n

Wind gusts in Fresno reached 37 mph Sunday, with most Valley communities seeing gusts between 30 and 39 mph.<\/p>\n

Cooke said the strongest winds were recorded on mountain slopes in southeastern Kern County, where gusts peaked at 63 mph.<\/p>\n

While windy conditions are common this time of year, Cooke noted that fire conditions are slightly above average because vegetation dried out earlier than usual.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fuels have dried out a little more than they normally have at this time of year,\u201d he said. \u201cThis kind of wind event isn\u2019t unheard of, but it is above average.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Fresno Fire Department faced challenges on Saturday when a grass fire<\/a> erupted at Highway 41 and O Street off-ramp, which threatened nearby warehouses because of flying embers. Two nearby warehouses sustained minor damage.<\/p>\n

Cooke said they were monitoring that.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you have strong wind, it gives the fire a steady supply of fresh oxygen and makes it spread more quickly, which makes it harder to contain,\u201d Cooke said.<\/p>\n

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect through Monday evening.<\/p>\n

Forecasters expect winds to ease up, though hotter temperatures are expected to return, with valley highs climbing back into the upper 90s.<\/p>\n

This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 5:00 AM.<\/p>\n

Related Stories from Fresno Bee<\/p>\n


\n \"Profile
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Anthony Galaviz<\/a><\/p>\n

The Fresno Bee<\/p>\n

Anthony Galaviz writes about sports for The Fresno Bee. He covers the Las Vegas Raiders, high schools, boxing, MMA and junior colleges. He\u2019s been with The Bee since 1997 and attended Fresno City College before graduating from Fresno State with a major in journalism and a minor in criminology.
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