Prepare for leaf avalanche; high winds on the way

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.