Numerous intense yet nearly dry thunderstorms fired up across the mountains of NorCal today. Dozens of new fires have already grown quite a bit in the past 10 hours, and more are likely to pop up overnight. The evening visible satellite loops look quite ominous…with at least 4 distinct large smoke plumes across the state (3 north, 1 south). A big problem has been strong to severe downburst winds and outflow boundaries, in which 60-70 mph winds have been recorded. A few more tstms are possible tomorrow, adding to the threat. Next week will see quite a few thunderstorms over a wider area…possible including coastal areas and even the Bay Area as a pretty significant cutoff low sets up offshore and subtropical moisture streams overhead. Stay tuned…

P.S. I would be glad to post any pictures that were taken today…