Sacramento Valley can expect gusts up to 50 mph, says weather service
The leaves that look so beautiful on the trees may soon be all over the ground, thanks to expected winds tonight and Wednesday. Kathy Morrison
Hang onto your hat – and avoid standing under big trees. A whole lot of leaves – and maybe some limbs – are about to come down.
We’re in for some very gusty weather, which could have direct impact on our gardens and wildlands. During these windy and dry conditions, fire danger escalates, too.
According to the National Weather Service, a high wind advisory for the Sacramento Valley will be in effect from 10 p.m. Tuesday through Wednesday evening, Nov. 5 and 6. In Sacramento, we can expect a chilling north wind, blowing through the night at 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. The wind will continue through the day Wednesday and well after sunset.
Be prepared for these gusty winds, says the weather service. “Impacts: Loose objects may blow around, difficult driving conditions, downed branches and weakened trees, power outages.”
Take down umbrellas. Row covers or hot caps on new transplants may need to be anchored or removed.
With the cold wind, most of those pretty autumn leaves likely will start falling in bushels. Be prepared for a foliage avalanche.
With the wind comes very low humidity. The weather service predicts daytime humidity in the Sacramento area will drop to 10 to 20%. That can suck the moisture right out of seedlings or new transplants (as well as the summer remainders). Keep irrigation on and transplants hydrated.
The lack of humidity coupled with high winds prompted a Red Flag Warning through Wednesday evening for most of Northern California. Beware of sparks; they could start a fast-moving blaze. That goes for suburban homes as well as places surrounded by wildland. Dried plants burn quickly.
Once the wind dies down, we’re in for very pleasant fall weather the remainder of the week and next weekend with afternoons in the high 60s and sunny skies. Weekend events won’t be blown away.
For more weather updates: https://www.weather.gov/sto/
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Garden Checklist for week of Dec. 8
Make the most of dry weather while we have it this week. Rain is returning.
* Rake leaves away from storm drains and gutters. Recycle those leaves as mulch or add to compost.
* It’s not too late to plant something. Seed wildflowers and plant such spring bloomers as sweet pea, sweet alyssum and bachelor buttons.
* Trees and shrubs can be planted now, especially bare-root varieties such as fruit trees or rose bushes. This gives them plenty of time for root development before spring growth. They also benefit from winter rains.
* Plant bare-root berries, kiwifruit, grapes, artichokes, horseradish and rhubarb.
* Set out cool-weather annuals such as pansies and snapdragons.
* Lettuce, cabbage and broccoli also can be planted now.
* Brighten the holidays with winter bloomers such as poinsettias, amaryllis, calendulas, Iceland poppies, pansies and primroses.
* Keep poinsettias in a sunny, warm location; bring them inside at night or if there’s rain.
* Plant garlic and onions.
* Prune non-flowering trees and shrubs while they’re dormant.
* Clean and sharpen garden tools before storing for the winter.
* Mulch, water and cover tender plants to protect them during threat of frost. Succulent plants are at particular risk if temperatures drop below freezing. Make sure to remove coverings during the day.
* Rake and remove dead leaves and stems from dormant perennials.
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