Weekend Weather: Hot, Dry, Windy and High-Risk For Wildfires

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA – Dry, windy conditions in Riverside County's mountains and deserts today into the holiday weekend are expected to raise the risk for wildfires.

A National Weather Service red flag warning for the mountains, the San Gorgonio Pass and the Coachella Valley will remain in effect from 11 a.m. today until 8 p.m. Saturday.

"A trough of low pressure will move inland through the western states through Monday bringing drier southwest flow aloft and stronger onshore flow," according to the weather service. "This will bring gusty southwest to west winds to the mountains and deserts each afternoon and evening, with humidities in the deserts and desert slopes of the mountains falling to 10 to 15 percent this afternoon, and 5 to 10 percent Saturday afternoon."

>> SEE BANNING and BEAUMONT FORECAST HERE<<

Winds of 15 to 25 miles per hour and gusts of around 35 to 40 mph are expected each afternoon and evening along mountain ridges and passes, on desert slopes and in the adjacent foothills, according to the NWS. Isolated gusts along the San Gorgonio Pass may reach 50 mph.

Forecasters said any fires that develop amid the dry, windy conditions would likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

"A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will contribute to extreme fire behavior," according to the NWS.

Afternoon high temperatures are expected to be 84 to 91 degrees in the mountains, 98 to 103 degrees along the San Gorgonio Pass and 101 to 106 in the Coachella Valley.

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For latest on Bogart Fire: Huge Gains Made On Day 3 In Bogart Fire Containment [UPDATE]

--City News Service/Bogart Fire photo from Cherry Valley area courtesy of Jay McDowell