Bay Area jumps to 'extreme' drought category
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- It's going to be a long, hot, dry summer. The Bay Area is now in the "extreme" drought category, according to Drought Monitor figures released Thursday.
The report shows a big part of California experiencing the second-highest level of drought.
RELATED: California's 2021 wildfire season could be extreme, state officials warn
"Unfortunate, but not a surprise," said ABC7 News Meteorologist Mike Nicco.
"The second-highest level of drought covers just about all of our neighborhood, only that small sliver in northern Mendocino County remains in severe'. It's not just here," added Nicco. "The entire state saw that 'extreme' category goes from 53% to nearly 73%. Nearly 3/4ths of our wonderful, beautiful state is now suffering in the second-highest level of drought."
It's only early May. If you are thinking it's going to be a terrible summer, fire season -- Nicco says that is the forecast.
In fact, the AccuWeather 2021 Wildfire Risk Outlook shows the Bay Area under extreme wildfire risk.
"So what does that mean? Record dry vegetation. It's going to continue to get drier and drier," explained Nicco. "Nearly 9.3 million acres could burn. That's 130% higher than the five-year average."
Nicco is urging homeowners to establish defensible space. Also, keep hot things away from dry vegetation.
"It's going to be a tough season. We need everyone to be prepared and vigilant," said Nicco.
Watch the latest AccuWeather forecast and take a look at recent weather stories and videos.
