Wildfire risks will be elevated throughout the Inland Empire this week amid strong Santa Ana winds, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a red-flag warning that begins Wednesday.
“Northeast to east winds of 20 to 40 mph, with gusts to 60 mph (are possible),” the NWS stated. “Anticipate localized gusts up to 80 mph in the most wind-prone … foothill locations.”
The warning goes into effect at 6 p.m. Wednesday and concludes at 10 p.m. Saturday. It was issued in conjunction with a high wind watch that noted “damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines.”
The most intense Santa Ana activity is predicted Thursday afternoon into Friday morning, according to forecasters.
“Winds will subside Friday afternoon through Saturday, but will still be quite gusty as Santa Anas continue to blow,” according to the NWS.
Humidity levels are expected to drop to 10% or less, potentially creating tinderbox conditions.
A similar pattern occurred during Thanksgiving and the day after. There were no significant fires in the Inland Empire, however.
High temperatures in the Riverside metropolitan area are expected to hover in the low 70s from Wednesday to Sunday, with lows in the mid-40s.
In Palm Springs, the mercury is predicted to track roughly the same, as well as for southwest Riverside County.