North Bay

North Bay communities are beginning early preparations due to expert warnings regarding California. Experts warn that the state could be heading toward a potentially historic El Niño winter, prompting local preparedness efforts.

Leo Davis celebrated his third birthday in Larkspur with a basketball performance by local high school student-athletes. The event honored the boy, who has faced medical challenges including a cleft lip and palate and multiple surgeries for genetic issues.

A 2.7 magnitude earthquake occurred near Cloverdale in the North Bay Tuesday afternoon at a depth of 2.7 miles. No injuries or damages were reported.

Smoke from the Woodside Fire in Sonoma County is causing unhealthy and hazardous air quality in parts of the North Bay, leading to health warnings for residents. Authorities urge precautions due to the dangerous air conditions.

A magnitude 4.3 earthquake struck near Cloverdale in the North Bay Tuesday night, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. A 2.5 aftershock was also recorded.

Firefighters are combating two wildfires in North Bay: the Ledson Fire covering 14 acres east of Santa Rosa and the Hardin Fire burning 50 acres west of Lake Berryessa. The Hardin Fire started in Napa County's Pope Valley.

Raising Cane's, a Louisiana-based fast food chain, is set to open in the former location of Amy's Drive-Thru in Rohnert Park. The local drive-thru closed in March, and the new restaurant will occupy the space at 58 Golf Course Dr W.

A magnitude 3.6 earthquake near Santa Rosa rattled the North Bay, with tremors felt in Napa and St. Helena. The epicenter was 17 miles east-northeast of Santa Rosa and 19.6 miles north of Sonoma, according to the USGS. A smaller quake also occurred.

The National Weather Service warns about hazardous beach conditions in the Bay Area due to a long-period southerly swell causing sneaker waves and strong rip currents. South- and southwest-facing beaches from North Bay to Monterey County are at greatest risk, with forecasters advising against entering jetties and piers.

Extreme heat in the North Bay caused triple-digit temperatures, increasing fire risks and prompting residents to seek ways to stay cool.

Thursday is the Bay Area's hottest day of the year so far, with inland temperatures reaching triple digits, bayshore areas in the 80s to 90s, and coastal spots in the 70s. A heat advisory is in effect for the East Bay, South Bay, North Bay, and other regions.

The Bay Area is experiencing a heat surge with temperatures in the 80s and 90s inland, leading to increased fire risk due to dry humidity and strong offshore winds, particularly in the upper elevations of the North Bay and East Bay. Thursday is expected to be even more severe.

The National Weather Service forecasts rain, thunderstorms, and cooler temperatures for the San Francisco Bay Area on Thursday, with heavier rain expected in the North Bay, Santa Cruz mountains, and Big Sur coast. Isolated strong storms with gusty winds and lightning are possible in the South Bay and interior Central Coast, though flooding concerns remain low, with drier conditions returning by Friday.