With winds easing, the National Weather Service Friday canceled a red flag warning of heightened fire danger that was originally expected to last through Saturday.
The red flag warning took effect Wednesday night and was scheduled to remain in effect until 10 p.m. Saturday in Riverside County mountains and valleys and across the Inland Empire.
But late Friday morning, the warning was canceled.
“Winds have decreased and are more isolated in coverage (Friday) morning,” according to the NWS. “While relative humidity will be extremely low (Friday) afternoon, there will not be strong winds to accompany it. Winds tonight (Friday) and Saturday are not expected to pose a warning hazard.”
However, the NWS warned that humidity levels will remain low and gusty winds could kick up again early next week. In response, the agency issued a fire weather watch that will be in effect from Sunday night through Tuesday night across most of the Inland Empire.
Forecasters said the new system could produce 20 to 30 mph winds, with gusts up to 40 mph and even higher in the foothills. Humidity levels, meanwhile, will hover between 10% and 20%.
The fire weather watch means that critical conditions are forecast to occur. Should the system develop, the watch could be upgraded to a fire weather warning or even another red flag warning.