Blog note. Jesus indicated that ‘fearful sights’ (various natural disasters) would occur leading up to the time known as the Tribulation and Great Tribulation (a combined seven year period of great destruction on earth). Although these types of things have occurred in the past for centuries and thousands of years, they could be identified as the ‘season of the times’ due to the ferociousness of these events. They would be occurring in greater intensity, severity, frequency, size, duration, scope … just like the pains that a woman experiences in labor the farther along she is in the labor process. We are in the ‘season of the times’ that comes just before the seven (7) year Tribulation/Great Tribulation period

… And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (Luke 21:11).

… And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (Luke 21:25)

… Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken; (Luke 21:26)

… This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy 3:1)

Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for as the age of grace comes to a close. These verses are several of many such prophecies from throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded history for the intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a large number of severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in unusual places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This list can go on. Most studied Eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like a woman having labor pains, growing in intensity, frequency, size and duration.

Gusty winds to fuel wildfire concerns in California into Monday. One dozen fires are burning across California.

Kyle Elliott. AccuWeather•September 7, 2019

As the number of wildfires burning across California continues to grow, bouts of strong winds will further increase the fire danger through early this week.

Sundowner winds, or gusty, northerly winds that develop when an area of high pressure sits just offshore of California, will batter parts of Southern California, the San Joaquin Valley and the Grapevine through Monday night.

Sustained winds of 20-30 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph, will be common in these areas, especially during the evening and overnight hours.

Sunshine and very dry conditions will accompany the Sundowner wind events, further drying out vegetation and enhancing the risk for wildfire growth, spread and development.

There are currently one dozen wildfires burning across California, according to Inciweb.

The Red Bank Fire, which was started by lightning on Thursday, has reached 8,838 acres in size as of Sunday morning and is only 20 percent contained, according to Cal Fire.

The fire, which is located about 30 miles southeast of Redding, has prompted mandatory evacuations for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and areas between Tedoc Road and Vestal Road.

The Tenaja Fire, located just west of Temecula in the Elsinore Mountains, has charred 1,940 acres and is 56 percent contained as of Sunday morning.

Although the fire prompted evacuation orders on Thursday, residents were allowed to return to their homes on Friday as firefighters made significant strides in containment efforts, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The cause of the Tenaja Fire is still under investigation.

The Walker Fire in California’s Plumas National Forest has burned about 38,049 acres as of Sunday, Sept. 8, and is only 5% contained. Mandatory evacuations remain in place, and an Evacuation Center is set up in Lassen County Fairgrounds. A sustained 18-mph wind worsened the fire on Saturday night, Sept 7, according to Inciweb.

Unfortunately, the weather will not cooperate for firefighters hoping to gain more ground on the ongoing blazes as low humidity accompanies gusty winds statewide.

Campers and hikers should remain cognizant of evacuation orders and coverage of wildfires to avoid getting into a life-threatening situation.

In addition, campfires and cigarette butts should be thoroughly extinguished as even the slightest spark could erupt into a large blaze in a matter of hours.

The howling winds will also threaten to bring down trees and power lines and trigger power outages across southern parts of the state.

Motorists should keep both hands on the wheel and pull off the road if winds become too strong for safe travel. Wind gusts of this magnitude can make it difficult to remain in your lane and keep control of a vehicle.

By the middle of the week, winds should decrease significantly as the area of high pressure moves directly overhead, making conditions more favorable for firefighting efforts.

However, Mother Nature will provide no natural assistance to fire personnel as building heat and continued lack of any rainfall are in store for the second half of the week.