A “strong and possibly damaging Santa Ana wind event” is expected across parts of the Inland Empire starting Monday, forecasters said.
A red-flag warning for dangerous fire weather conditions will be in effect from 10 a.m. Monday to 4 a.m. Wednesday in the Riverside County mountains and some valley areas, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters cited strong Santa Ana winds and low humidity, with levels expected to fall to 15% to 25% by Monday afternoon. The Santa Anas are expected to kick up late Monday and early Tuesday, with gusts as high as 50 to 55 mph.
Winds coming from north to northeast will increase on Monday “below the Cajon Pass into the Inland Empire,” the NWS said. “As the upper level low continues to dig south, winds will become easterly Tuesday with stronger winds expected in the San Diego and Riverside mountain foothills into adjacent valleys.”
In Riverside County, temperatures will reach the mid-70s during the day with nighttime lows in the 40s throughout the week.