Nevada County and much of Northern California will be under a fire watch Wednesday through Friday as heat, wind and extremely dry conditions combine.

The National Weather Service in Sacramento issued the watch this morning. In addition today has been declared a no burn day by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

North winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph are predicted for Wednesday afternoon in the foothills. Winds are then expected to come out of the south Thursday into Friday morning.

Those winds and low humidities from temperatures in the high 80s will create ideal fire conditions the weather service said.

County residents should call the burn day information number of 274-7928 during the watch to see if outdoor brush pile fires will be allowed.